Is buying a garment that I liked on a non-Muslim woman considered imitation of non-believers, knowing that it is not exclusive to them and my intention is not imitation, but rather admiration for the garment itself? And why is a man lengthening his hair not considered imitation of women, while a woman cutting her hair short is considered imitation of men? Are there any proofs for the prohibition of a woman cutting her hair above the ears, provided it does not resemble men's hair?

Firstly, there is no harm in wearing a cloak (rida') if it is not specific to disbelieving women, while observing the Islamic regulations for women's attire in front of non-mahram men (it should not be transparent, not outline the body, and not reveal the size of the limbs).

Secondly, it is permissible for a man to grow his hair long, down to his shoulders, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) had hair that reached close to his shoulders. However, the general custom in the country should be observed. If honorable men do not grow their hair to this extent, or if this is specific to women or those lacking honor, then a man should not grow it long so as not to become conspicuous by it.

Thirdly, scholars have differed regarding a woman cutting her hair. Some disliked it, while others permitted it on condition that it does not constitute imitation of men or disbelieving and immoral women. The criterion for imitating men is cutting the hair in a style that makes the head appear like a man's head. The evidence for its permissibility is the general principle of permissibility, and what has been narrated about the wives of the Prophet (peace be upon him) is that they used to cut their hair short so that it was like a "wafrat" (reaching the earlobes). Sheikh Ibn 'Uthaymeen issued a fatwa that a woman cutting her hair in a way that resembles a man's head is forbidden. However, if it deviates from that, it is disliked according to the Hanbalis, and some scholars permitted it. He emphasized that in forbidden imitation, intention is not a condition; if the forbidden image occurs, it is prohibited regardless of whether the doer intended it or not.