"On Clothes" Summary

A weaver asks about clothes, and Almustafa declares that clothing conceals beauty but fails to hide ugliness. Privacy becomes a harness and chain. He wishes the sun and wind would meet skin rather than raiment. Shame is the loom on which the north wind weaves clothing, and modesty is but a shield against the unclean eyes. The earth delights in bare feet, and the winds delight in playing with one's hair.

"On Clothes" Analysis

All of Almustafa's hearers must have been surprised to hear Almustafa exalt nudity rather than decry the distinctions of social rank that clothing defines or speak against exorbitant luxury in clothing, as the Hebrew prophets and Jesus often do. Earlier he advises weavers to weave with love of the future wearer, but his preference appears to be putting them out of work by allowing everyone...