At the Pakistani Engineering University, the study of enclothed cognition was an integral part of the curriculum. The faculty and students were all committed to exploring the intricate ways in which clothing shapes our identity and experiences, particularly in the context of Sufi philosophy.
One faculty member, a Sufi engineer named Hamza, had always been fascinated by the intersection of clothing and identity. He was particularly interested in how clothing could both express and perpetuate systems of oppression, such as religious intolerance, gender inequality, and social hierarchies. As a Pakistani Sufi, he had experienced firsthand the ways in which clothing could signal his identity and invite discrimination.
In his enclothed cognition class, Hamza conducted an experiment to explore the effects of clothing on his experiences of intersectional discrimination. He wore different outfits to different parts of the university campus and took note of how people treated him. He wore a traditional Sufi robe one day and noticed that people seemed to treat him with more respect and curiosity. He wore a Western suit another day and found that people took him more seriously as a lecturer.
Hamza presented his findings in class, and the discussion that followed was rich and nuanced. Some students argued that clothing was just a superficial aspect of identity and that discrimination was rooted in deeper systemic issues. Others pointed out that clothing could both reflect and reinforce stereotypes and prejudices.
Hamza, who was both a Sufi and an engineer, encouraged the students to consider the complexity of the issue. He acknowledged that clothing was just one aspect of identity but that it could be a powerful tool for spiritual and social transformation.
Over the course of the semester, the class explored the ways in which clothing could be used to challenge and subvert systems of oppression. They learned about the history of clothing as a form of resistance.
For Hamza, the class was a transformative experience. He began to see his own clothing choices as a form of spiritual expression, a way to signal his identity and challenge societal norms. He felt empowered to use his clothing to express his Sufi identity, and to fight back against the discrimination he had experienced.
In the end, the study of enclothed cognition had not only deepened the students’ understanding of the complex ways in which clothing shapes our identity and experiences, but had also inspired them to take action and promote social justice.
A spiritual Ishmaelite 