Επιμέλεια: Εύα Πετροπούλου Λιανού
Elegance is a way of life that stems from within, reflecting the refinement of the mind, the discipline of the self, and the beauty of the soul. It is achieved when your thoughts and feelings are purer than your perfume, and your character is more attractive than your clothing. Awareness and refinement are translated into an elegant presence, well-balanced words, and a lasting positive impression, making it superior to superficial appearance.
Yes, elegance begins in thought before it is seen in appearance. True elegance is not merely well-arranged clothing or coordinated colors; rather, it is a reflection of what lies within. It is a way of thinking, a manner of interaction, and the careful choice of words before choosing garments. You may see a person of simple appearance, yet they possess a presence that captures attention… because they speak with taste, act with grace, and leave a beautiful impression wherever they are.
Intellectual elegance is manifested in one’s manner of speech, in the ability to disagree without offense, and in choosing words carefully in a way that reflects depth of awareness rather than superficiality. Appearance may attract attention quickly, but it does not endure in the face of empty conversation or rigid opinions, whereas elegant thinking asserts its presence calmly and steadily.
Among the noble qualities of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is his great attention to good character. He encouraged refined manners and considered them a form of elegance, making those who possess them the most beloved to him and the closest to him on the Day of Resurrection. He said:
“Indeed, the most beloved of you to me and the closest to me on the Day of Resurrection are those of you with the best character.” (Narrated by Al-Tirmidhi)
Just as the Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized the beauty and elegance of character and called for it, he also cared about good appearance and outward presentation. A Muslim is beautiful both inwardly and outwardly—of noble character and pleasant appearance.
This is part of his noble Sunnah. Allah Almighty has commanded His believing servants to take their adornment at every mosque, saying:
O children of Adam, take your adornment at every mosque, and eat and drink, but do not be excessive; indeed, He does not like those who commit excess. Say: Who has forbidden the adornment of Allah which He has produced for His servants and the good things of provision? Say: They are for those who believe during the worldly life (but) exclusively for them on the Day of Resurrection. Thus do We detail the verses for a people who know.” (Al-A‘raf)
Ibn Kathir stated that based on this verse and what has been reported in the Sunnah, it is recommended to beautify oneself for prayer, especially on Fridays and the days of Eid, to use perfume as it is part of adornment, and to wear clean, fine clothing. Among the best garments are white ones. It is also understood that adornment here includes wearing clean and presentable attire.
Here, elegance manifests as both thought and good character. Elegance as a mindset means awareness: knowing how to behave, when to speak, and how to choose one’s words and موقف. It is a reflection of inner maturity, and taste cannot be bought. How many people have a simple appearance yet command respect through their calmness, refinement, and purity of style.
On the other hand, appearance cannot be overlooked, as it is also a language—the first thing others see, and a silent message that expresses a person’s self-care and respect for those around them. Therefore, elegance in appearance is not superficial as some may assume; rather, it is a complementary part of thought. True elegance is the harmony between the inner and the outer.
Thought grants elegance its depth, while appearance grants it its presence. If thought is refined but appearance is neglected, the message may not be fully conveyed. And if appearance is elegant but thought is lacking, then it is merely temporary elegance that quickly fades.
Therefore, the most beautiful quality in a person is to be elegant in intellectual refinement, simple in presence, and sincere in impact. The idea can be summarized in one sentence: elegance begins from within, but it is completed when it is expressed outwardly.
In the end, elegance is not merely the clothes we wear, nor the luxury of a watch or the quality of shoes. It is a blend of simplicity and beauty. It begins with personal hygiene and self-care, then extends to choosing appropriate clothing. What truly reflects elegance is our morals in dealing with others and the refined way we interact with respect. For what is the value of beautiful clothes if our character is ugly?
