Why do Nation of Islam women wear white?

Question

This is just a general question, I had read some guidelines for women in the NOI and one of them was "wear white as soon as possible" but what would prevent them from wearing white at any time?

Answer 1

I really don't know, but most traditional women in Saudi Arabia wear black.

Answer 2

Good question.  When you read or hear that the women of the Nation of Islam are encouraged to "wear white as soon as possible" you can interpret that literally and figuratively. Literally speaking, it means that as soon we have made our commitment to become an M.G.T. (Muslim Girl in Training) before Allah (SWT) we can represent that commitment in the way that we dress ourselves according to what Allah in the Person of Master Fard Muhammad prescribed for us through His Messenger.  What was prescribed was the Official White (garment) from Chicago Headquarters (custom made if necessary) for Sunday Mosque meetings. In actuality, there is nothing that would prevent a sister from wearing white in general at any time, but the white that is mentioned in the guidelines refers specifically to the Official White garment including the headpiece.  Usually a sister will get her Official White either on the day of or shortly after her graduation from MGT Orientation class.

Figuratively speaking, to "wear white as soon as possible" means that a sister should be prepared to carry or have on the body of righteousness as soon as it is possible for her to make that commitment. As a color without a hue, white symbolizes purity, cleanliness and innocence (according to the English Language Dictionary); therefore, to "wear" white is to "wear" the  image of purity, cleanliness and innocence. Now, what would prevent a sister from doing this at any time can only be called a sick love for the ways of this world in my opinion. But if she can and does commit to "wear white" then the challenge is for her to live up to that image of purity,cleanliness and innocence by internalizing these characteristics as taught to us by the Honorable Elijah Muhammad. This way, even if she is unable to physically wear the white garment, she can still exemplify the characteristics of a goddess MGT.