The Ruling on Requiring High School Female Students to Wear a Specific Uniform for the Graduation Ceremony

Question:
Honorable Shaykh. This questioner says: Some secondary schools for girls ask the students in their third year of secondary school to sew a special uniform called a "balqo," which they wear at the mothers' party on the occasion of their upcoming graduation from secondary school. The description of this uniform is as follows: First, it is in the form of a balqo, open at the front and with long sleeves. Second, it is worn over the school uniform. Third, it does not come with a head covering, and it does not resemble the Western graduation robe or the cap. Fourth, its cost is approximately one hundred riyals. The question is directed from the students to your Eminence: Is this clothing permissible? Is it permissible to sew it and wear it at this ceremony? And what is your guidance?

Answer:
We do not think that this clothing should be adopted or made for this occasion. This occasion does not require special clothing. What is required is that the student covers herself with modest clothing. As for imposing a special uniform on her for the ceremony, this is not appropriate, because these are corrupt traditions. Obliging students to wear a special uniform for the ceremony or for graduation is among the corrupt traditions. Also, it imposes a physical burden on the student through sewing and a financial burden through money, and there is no need for this.

The presenter:
May Allah reward you