There are people who call themselves religious-minded, trying to show this by dressing in a peculiar manner, maintaining a peculiar way of life, and isolating themselves from the rest of society.
In my opinion, practicing a religion is by firstly TRANSFORMING your inner viewpoint, BUT leaving your EXTERNAL appearance as it is.
In China, the mosques looks like Chinese temples but are used by the Chinese Muslims. The Chinese Muslims converted to Islam much much earlier then the Malay Hindus and Buddhists.
Why must some people follow the style of Arabs, Iranians, Iraqis, Afghans, Pakistanis, Indians or other people who are Muslims. These people are totally different from those that seem to ape them in dress-code.
The original Malay sarong kebaya should have been retained by the people instead of discontinuing it in favour of Islamic garb bought from intelligent shop-keepers who peddle such dresses to the masses thereby enriching themselves.
The discarded sarong kebaya is today the iconic wear of SIA.
The Islamic prophet wore a turban and kept a beard. He had his reasons and maybe the environment where he was staying made him and his people dress in that manner.
But does that apply in Malaysia, Singapore or other nations?
Why doesn't the Arabs dress like the Malays.
I have spoken to an Arab buddy as to why the Arabs are not imitating the Malays in dress. He replied that why should they as ORIGINAL Muslims follow others who took on their religion.
I was amazed by his statement.
This sudden change came only after the overthrow of the Shah of Iran by the Ayatollah - a SHITE.
The masses of Muslims here in this region are SUNNIS.