A halal lifestyle is now not just a principle, but also a statement of identity. With Bang Anca, we are invited to see that looking fashionable can align with Islamic values—without compromise, without losing one’s identity.
Amidst the rapid flow of global fashion trends, Muslims now have greater space to express themselves not only in style but also in identity. Fashion is no longer just a form of aesthetics, but has become a language to convey values, beliefs, and personality. One who has popularized this approach is Anca Syah, also known as Bang Anca (@anca.id), a halal content creator and fashion enthusiast known for his distinctive, sharia-compliant streetwear style.
In a candid interview, Anca shared his views on how a Muslim can remain stylish without deviating from sharia. He consistently upholds five key principles, which can serve as inspiration for anyone who wants to look cool and remain devout. It’s not just about the clothes you wear, but also about awareness, intention, and the life choices you make.
1. Trendy But Still Sharia-compliant
“Dressing according to sharia doesn’t mean you have to wear a koko shirt or a gamis all the time,” Anca opened. According to him, Muslim men actually have the freedom to explore styles, as long as they adhere to the boundaries of modesty. Anca’s favorite style is Japanese streetwear, a casual style characterized by loose cuts, neutral colors, and a minimalist feel.
“My favorite style is simple, earth tones, and loose. It’s perfect for covering the modesty neatly, but still looks cool,” he said. One example of a style he relies on is a combination of an oversized inner T-shirt, a kimono outer, and loose cargo pants. It not only promotes modesty but also reflects character and upholds good manners. Fashion, for him, is a way to show that a Muslim can be active, modern, and value-conscious.
2. Principles of Sharia Dress for Muslim Men
Anca emphasized that Islam provides clear guidelines regarding clothing for men: the aurat (awrah) from the navel to the knees must be covered, silk and gold must not be worn, and women’s styles must not be imitated. However, these principles do not limit creativity; instead, they can provide a strong foundation for creative work.
“The important thing is to cover the aurat neatly, loosely and not transparently, not flashy or excessive, and with the intention for Allah, not just for style,” he explained. With these principles, dressing is not just a matter of appearance, but also a form of spiritual responsibility. Correct fashion choices can be a reflection of faith, not just a trend.
3. Filter Trends, Don’t Swallow Them Raw
In a world filled with new trends every day, Anca chooses to be selective. “I don’t follow every trend. I filter and choose those that are compliant with sharia,” he said. For example, the Japanese layering trend can be created into a stylish look that still covers the aurat.
Another thing that is often overlooked, according to him, is the material of clothing and accessories. “Many people don’t realize that some sneakers are made from pigskin. This is clearly haram (forbidden) and should be avoided,” he stressed. For Anca, halal fashion isn’t just about shape or style, but also about what’s on our bodies.
Several modest fashion brands have already achieved halal certification. To check for halal-certified fashion products, LPPOM provides a platform called “Search Halal Products” on the website www.halalmui.org.
4. Meaningful Personal Style
Anca’s everyday style is a mix of modestwear and Japanese streetwear, sometimes with a touch of Japanese Americana. “This style is flexible; it can be worn for work, meetings, or even content creation. What’s important to me: minimalism, meaning, and still comfortable for worship at any time,” she said.
For Anca, good clothing not only supports social activities but also facilitates worship. Therefore, comfort and function are primary considerations. She avoids complicated designs and chooses cuts that don’t interfere with ablution or prayer. Her personal style reflects her daily life: active, productive, and connected to Allah.
5. Muslim Men’s Fashion Trends: Worth Appreciating or Cautioning?
According to Anca, the current trend of modest streetwear is worthy of appreciation. Many local brands are starting to understand the needs of Muslims in clothing, offering loose cuts, earthy colors, and designs that are both Islamic and global.
However, not all trends can be followed without consideration. One example she highlights is the boxy cut trend. While it looks cool, this cut can expose your private parts during prostration if not handled wisely. The solution? Wear an undershirt or appropriate layering. “Stylish is fine, but don’t let it interfere with your worship,” he reminded.
At the end of the conversation, Anca delivered a powerful message: dressing isn’t just about appearance, but also a form of da’wah (Islamic outreach). “Fashion can be a field for da’wah too. Show that being a Muslim means being active, modern, and still obedient to Allah SWT,” he emphasized.
Now, the choice is yours. Do you want to use fashion as a directionless form of expression, or as a down-to-earth and constructive means of propagation? Through Bang Anca’s principles and style, we learn that being a stylish Muslim is not only possible but also noble. And as the world begins to turn its attention to us, let’s show that we are ready—with style, with meaning, and with faith. (ZUL)
Source: https://halalmui.org/jurnal-halal/174
