By: Shehzeen Alam
2017 Graduation Ceremony at United World College South East Asia
‘Mufti’ days were a time when people would be allowed to step out of the restrictive guidelines of uniform/work attire, and wear whatever they want. United World College (UWC) is no different.
At UWC we have free-dress days to allow students the right to demonstrate self-expression and identity. We would refer to these non-uniform days as ‘mufti’ days. Many schools, worldwide, use this word to describe free-dress days or home-clothes days. However, this word is deeply rooted in serious colonial discrimination and derogation.
At the start of the new academic year of 2021/2022, UWC decided to stop using the word ‘mufti’ to describe non-uniform days. While some believe this decision should have been done a long time ago, many students are unaware of the harmful and disrespectful context behind the word.
Students at UWCSEA come from over 100 countries
What does ‘mufti’ mean?
The Oxford Dictionary defines the word ‘mufti’ as “a Muslim legal expert who is empowered to give rulings on religious matters.” The question is: what is the link between mufti and free-dress?
The use of this word goes way back to the height of British imperialism. When the British Army was posted in India, many of them would dress in robes and slippers during their off-duty time that resembled the garments worn by Muftis. Originating from colonial times, the British army started using the word ‘mufti’ for their out of uniform days. British troops would often refer to the mufti clothing in a manner of problematic cosplay. Many use the example of ‘mufti dress’ to indicate the detrimental impacts of cultural appropriation in our seemingly progressive world. As a colonial term, ‘mufti’ was later used throughout the British empire by the military. However, it was still widely used in many industries ranging from the police to the education system.
In fact, educational institutions, throughout the British empire, were founded on such militaristic language and values. As early as 1906, students were attending school in so-called ‘mufti’ clothes. As time went on ‘mufti’ was mechanised towards all aspects of life. To the point where it was commonly used as slang for informal attire.
Students dressed up in their national dress to promote diversity and cultural inclusion
What does this mean for UWC?
In a school like UWC - which is founded on the values and ideologies of a diverse and peaceful future - the use of appropriated words like “mufti” for 50 years leaves a bitter stain of the impact of colonisation upon the world. The extensive use of this derogatory phrase in postcolonial countries, makes individuals desensitised and moreover, ignorant to it’s bigoted origins.
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