Sunnah Dress
“O Children of Adam! Wear your beautiful apparel at every time and place of prayer”
— Al-Qur’an Kareem
“My respected brothers and sisters in Islam, after reading relative verses of the Qur’an Kareem and all of these Hadiths and with the explanations from Authentic ‘ullema’, the Islamic Scholars we should endeavour to understand whether or not a dress is a sunnah dress. We have Fard (mandatory) dress as described by Allah subhanuhu ta’la in the Holy Qur’an Kareem and the Sunnah dress, the dresses the Prophet (sallallahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to wear, approved or did not forbade his companion to wear. The Sunnah of Muhammad (sallallahu ’alayhi wa sallam) includes his specific words, habits, practices, and silent approvals: it is significant because it addresses ways of life dealing with friends, family and government. Recording sunnah was an Arabian tradition and, once people converted to Islam, they brought this custom with them into their new religion.
MUSLIMS’ DRESS!
It is true, Islam has no uniform for its followers. From amongst the infinite bounties of Allah subhanuhu ta’la, clothes are also a great bounty. Allah subhanuhu ta’la mentions this fact in the Holy Qur’an expressing Allah’s favour on mankind. The Almighty says:
[Al-Qur’an Kareem – Chapter no. 7 A’araf : verse 26]
“O Children of Adam! We have bestowed upon you a garment to cover your shame as well as to be an adornment to you, But the garment of righteousness – that is the best. Such are among the signs of Allah, that they may receive admonition!”
Allah (SWT) says;
“O Children of Adam! Wear your beautiful apparel at every time and place of your prayers (by wearing proper clothing) for every mosque.
[Al-Qur’an Kareem – Chapter no. 7 Al-A’raf : verse 31]
The meaning of “adornment” here is the covering of the ‘aurah. The meaning of “mosque” is meant “prayer.” Therefore, it means “Cover your ‘aurah for each and every prayer.”
The `awrah (private parts to be necessarily covered) for men includes what is between the navel and the knees as stated by the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam), so covering it is obligatory according to Islamic law. Wearing shorts that disclose the thighs or show the shape of the buttocks, does not cover the `awrah. Neither does a dress that is transparent and displays skin complexion, nor a tight dress that shows the size, shape or bends of the `awrah covers it. All of this is ‘Haram’ (prohibited) kind of dress to wear and go in front of people whether or not the women are ashamed of looking at it.
“Salafis” criticise Sunnis for keeping Sunnah Dress in the present day wearing. They claim that it is an indifferent and unnecessary aspect of Arabian culture and tradition which carries no value in Islam. They ignore the fact that the Prophet (sallallahu a’laihe wa sallam) belonged to Arab and did not denounce the Arabian culture altogether. What is the position of Ahl as-Sunnah on the “Salafi” dispensation for praying, leading prayer and delivering khutba bare-headed and in Western-styled clothes? They argue there is no Sunnah Dress. They say “There is no Sunnah Dress, the Prophet (Sallallahu a’laihe wa sallam) being an Arabian dressed in the same dresses the Kuffars used to dress up with.” Even they are not ashamed of going further and to make one of their most blatant impolite statements that, “If the Prophet would come in our time, he would be wearing blue jeans…….” astaghfirullah!
It is true, Islam does not recommend any sort of ‘uniform’ or a particular type of dress for the Muslims. The dress worn by the Holy Prophet Mohammad (Sallallahu a’laihe wa sallam) and his Sahabee (companions) are certainly the Sunnah Dress, which were not the same as claimed; but different in many aspects than that of the Dress the Kuffars and mushriks used to wear. The Muslims who are committed to following the Prophet (sallallahu a’laihe wa sallam) have to be strict with the Sunnah Dress and preserve it. In Islam, some kinds of fabrics, some colours such as the colour ‘red’ and ‘yellow’ and all womanly categories of dresses are prohibited for the Muslim male and vice versa. Muslim male’s dresses length is restricted up to above the ankles; where the kuffars never mind the length of their dress, kind of fabrics and colour of their dresses. Dress made of transparent fabrics and tight-fitting dress exposing the body parts and shape is Haram (forbidden) too for Muslim women. Clothes made of Silk fabrics are Haram (forbidden) for Muslim males. Dresses made of Silk fabrics and fabrics containing silk are Haram (forbidden) too for the Muslim males. In Islam the dresses of women and men are different. It is Haram (forbidden) for women to wear men’s clothes, and for men to wear that of women. The Holy Prophet (sallallahu a’laihe wa sallam) referred to those who do this, saying “Allah curses such people!”
Therefore, none of the true Muslims could make such an ignorant and discourteous comment in respect of the Dress of our Holy Prophet (sallallahu a’laihe wa sallam) that “There is no Sunnah Dress, the Prophet (Sallallahu a’laihe wa sallam) being an Arabian dressed in the same dresses the Kuffars used to dress up with.” this comment of a Dr. of the Maulana Bhashani University.
The definition of the Muslim dress is that it covers your body properly. That is, your satr should not be exposed, the whole body except face and hands up to the wrist and feet for women and from navel to knee for men must be covered. Covering the satr properly means ensuring that the outline of one’s figure and shape should not show up is Fard. Islamic dress must thus be loose enough. These are the important differences between the dress of Muslims and the dresses of kuffars’ and the mushriks’. So the salafis’ notion that Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu a’laihe wa sallam) used to dress as the kuffars used to dress up with is abruptly wrong, foolish and disrespectful for the ummah as a whole.
The Prophet (sallallahu a’laihe wa sallam) said,
“Allah has sent me as an apostle so that I may demonstrate perfection of character, refinement of manners and loftiness of deportment.“
(Sahih Hadith: Malik, Mawatta; Ahmed, Musnad, Mishkat)
Abu Darda (radiallahu a’nhu) states that the Messenger (sallallahu a’laihe wa sallam) of Allah (SWT) said,
“To meet Allah (The Exalted) the best clothing for the mosque and in the grave is white.”
Samurah (radiallahu a’hn) narrates from the Messenger (sallallahu a’laihe wa sallam) of Allaah(swt) that,
“Wear white as they are clean and clothe the decedent in them too.”
Also, Salamah ibn al-Aku’ (radiallahu ‘anh) said to the Prophet,
“O Messenger of Allah, may I pray in a long shirt?” He said, “Yes, but button it, even with just a thorn.”
(Related by al-Bukhari in his Tareekh.)
also,
“He (the Prophet sallallahu a’laihe wa sallam) had very few spare clothes, but he kept them spotlessly clean.” (Sahih Bukhari) and
“He (the Prophet sallallahu a’laihe wa sallam) wanted others also to put on simple but clean clothes. Once he saw a person putting on dirty clothes and remarked, “Why can’t this man wash them.”
(Abu Dawud, Chapter “Dress”)
On another occasion he (the Prophet (sallallahu a’laihe wa sallam) enquired of a person in dirty clothes whether he had any income. Upon getting a reply in the affirmative, he observed,
“When Allah has blessed you with His bounty, your appearance should reflect it.”
(Abu Dawud)
Muslim women must not wear such thin fabric that their clothes become transparent; dress that exposes the body part or body’s shape is also haram (forbidden) in Islam. Once Asma came to see Hadhrat Aisha Siddeeqa (Radiallahu ‘anha), the wife of the Prophet, wearing a thin sort of dress. On seeing that Aisha Siddeequa (Radiallahu ‘anha) said to Asma,
“Go away and change your clothes, for this is not an appropriate dress for a lady. You cannot enter our house dressed this way.”
Muslim men have to cover their heads. The Prophet (sallallahu a’laihe wa sallam) even while in his own home used to keep his head covered with a cap and a scarf. On Fridays, the Prophet (sallallahu a’laihe wa sallam) preferred to wear a black turban, and the other is the cap. Women can wear any dress which covers their whole body except clothes that resemble the male.
‘It is disgraceful not to cover the head in prayer if one is able to do so as it is part of the excellence of adornment which Allah ordered, Allah Subhanuhu ta’la said:
“O Children of Adam! Wear your beautiful apparel at every time and place of prayer”
[Al-Qur’anul Kareem – Chapter no. 7 Al-A’araaf : verse 31]
The Prophet (sallallahu a’laihe wa sallam) says,
“Whoever gives life to one of my Sunnas, which was eliminated after my time will receive the reward of all those who practice it without their reward being diminished”.
(Tirmidhi (Hasan), Book of knowledge; al-Baghawi, Sharh al-sunna 1:233)
“Whoever gives life to one of my Sunnas, he loves me: and whoever loves me is with me.”
(Tirmidhi (Hasan Gharib), Book of knowledge)
and
“The keeper of my Sunnas at the time my Community has lapsed into corruption will receive the reward of a martyr”.
(al-Mundhiri, al-Targhib 1:87; al-Hakim)
Mashallah, I been on a Umrah visit in Makkah. One day I was going down to the hotel by lift, I was wearing a saudi dress with a scarf on top of my cap. One Saudi person was along with me, he pointing towards my dress he told me this and this, they are Saudi Dress? I replied, “definitely but it is Sunnah dress”. The gentleman looked at me only and said nothing.
If one cannot afford a shirt or a head-cover, he may pray without them, but if he can but do not wear, then he is careless in obeying what Allah subhanuhu ta’la says in this verse and in observing the Prophet in the hadith:
“Allah likes to see the mark of His benevolence on His servant.”
Those who lead prayer and give khutba wearing Western-style pants and other tight-fitting garments then both they and those who follow them are behaving indecently and ignorantly, spoiling their worship, ignoring the excellent example of the Prophet (sallallahu a’laihe wa sallam) and indeed, following the model of non-believers.
I am one of the viewers of Peace TV. Mashallah, I like most of the presentations. May Allah subhanuhu ta’la bless the presenters and in particular Dr Zakir Naik for his sincere approach toward Dawa. Only the thing that hurts me the Western dress of Dr Zakir Naik, some other speakers even some students appears on Peace TV. They wear suits and ties certainly imitating the Westerners in particular the Christians and Jews. When one gets ‘Iman’ firmly seated in his/her soul, automatically it influences the listeners and the speakers, the way they talk, the way they behave their etiquette and the way they dress.
Dr Zakir Naik understands very well if someone gets ill, that illness not only affects the inner parts of the patients’ body; but also exposes some symptoms outside the body, such as temperature, the colour of eyes, tongue and so on. While Dr Naik makes da’wa through Peace TV makes da’wa for Islam for his dress too as a Muslim, which is a Western dress (dress which the mushriks’ use) he wears! I cannot take it if he is not imitating the mushriks? I sent an email to him. An answer to that I did receive on behalf of Dr Jaik Naik’s deputies defending their use of mostly Christians’’ shirt, tie and suiting dress!! Being a UK resident I could fail to appreciate his logical fatwa! If Islam is in his soul as he propagates why is not showing it in his outfit?
Since the Muslims have their own superb Sunnah Dress, then why some of our Muslim brothers and sisters should hire, imitate that of kuffars’ and mushriks’ dress, despite our Holy Prophet (sallallahu a’laihe wa sallam) asked us “follow me” and do not imitate others; the Muslims should listen to the Holy Prophet (sallallahu a’laihe wa sallam) and should stay away imitating the people of other beliefs, the mushriks.
“The Prophet (sallallahu a’laihe wa sallam) recommended the use of trousers to the length of the lower portion of the leg. It may, however, be lengthened up to above the ankle. It has been reported by Ibn Umar that the Prophet (sallallahu a’laihe wa sallam) said:
“When a man lets flow his trousers out of vanity, Allah ta’la will not look at him on the Day of Resurrection.”
It has also been reported by Abu Huraira that the Prophet (sallallahu a’laihe wa sallam) said:
“Whatever flows of trousers below the ankles will be in the hellfire.”
(Sahih Bukhari)
The Prophet said on the authority of Ibn `Umar:
“Whoso resembles a people in appearance, he is one of them.”
(Narrated by Abu Dawud (Libas) and Ahmad (2:50, 2:92)
Imitating means trying to be like someone, which the fuqahaa’ understand to mean being similar in a certain way to the person whom one is imitating. The Muslim is not permitted to imitate the kuffar by wearing clothing that is unique to them and for which they are known, like the belt worn by Christian monks, or the distinctive headgear of Magicians (Zoroastrians) and Jews, because of the hadith of the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihe wa sallam) is:
“Whoever imitates a people, is one of them.”
(Reported by Abu Dawood)
This hadith is understood in both ways: one who looks like the non-Muslims is part of them, and one who looks like the Muslims is part of them. Hasan al-Basri said:
“If you are of a coarse character, then acquire gentleness (ta’allam); and if you are not learned, then learn (ta`allam); and a person seldom imitates a certain group without becoming one of them.”
Ibn Hibban in his Sahih and Ahmad on the authority of Abu `Uthman: `Umar’s letter reached us as we were in Azerbaijan saying: “O `Utba ibn Farqad, stay away from effeminacy and the clothing of idolaters (mushrikin).” Ahmad relates it as “non-Arabs” (`ajam).
Part of the fitrah – natural inclinations of mankind – is that men should preserve the masculinity which Allah has created in them, and women should preserve the femininity which Allah has created in them. Without this, decent human life becomes dreadful. Men resembling women and vice versa is something that goes against man’s innate nature (fitrah) and opens the door to corruption and widespread promiscuity. The ruling in sharee’ah is that when it is stated that the person who does a thing is cursed, that thing is haram.
Ibn ‘Abbas (radiallahu ‘anhumaa) reported that the Messenger of Allaah (sallallahu a’laihe wa sallam) said:
“Allah has cursed the men who make themselves look like women and the women who make themselves look like men.”
(Reported by Al-Bukhaari)
Ibn ‘Abbas (radiallahu ‘anhu) also reported that the Messenger (sallallahu ‘alaihe wa sallam) of Allaah (SWT) said:
“Allah has cursed effeminate men and masculine women.”
(Reported by Al-Bukhaari)
In Arabic Sunnah (ˈsunna’), plural Sunan (ˈsunan’); means “habit”, “custom” or “usual practice” refers in Muslim usage to the example of the sayings and living habits of Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), the last prophet of Allah subhanuhu ta’la to whom the God’s religion Islam was revealed.
“The term Sunnah refers to those actions of the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa salla), which the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) initiated, performed and promoted among ALL his followers, as a part of God’s religion.”
(Understanding of Islam)
“The sunnah of Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) includes his specific words, habits, practices, and silent approvals: it is significant because it addresses ways of life dealing with friends, family and government. Recording sunnah was an Arabian tradition and, once people converted to Islam, they brought this custom to their religion. The sunnah is consulted after referring to the Qur’an, if the issue is not addressed there. The term “Sunni” denotes those who claim to practise these usages.”
The ‘sunnah’, therefore, is the second source of Islamic law alongside the Qur’an. The Qur’an is considered by Muslims as the only authentic revelation of Allah (God) subhanuhu ta’la to humanity. The Qur’an, taken as the word of Allah subhanuhu ta’la and the Sunnah, incorporated in many books (the most important of which are Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sahih Misqath, Sunan An-Nasai, Sunan At-Tirmidhi, Sunan Ibn Majah, and Sunan Abu Daud) are considered divine directives for the Muslims worldwide to follow. Therefore, the dress the Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to wear, liked or instructed his companions to wear are beyond any argument is sunnah dress.
Nowadays, we observed, some of the so-called modern Islamic scholars based on their flawed knowledge of Islam say, “There is no Sunnah dress” and are under allusion and ignorantly showing disrespect to the dress of our syedena Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). They say, “The Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alihe wa sallam) used to wear the dresses same as the Kuffars used to. They say:
“Neither the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alihe wa sallam) used to wear any uniform, nor did he (sallallaahu ‘alihe wa sallam) prescribe any particular uniform for the Muslims.”
Based on their knowledge, as for those who lead prayers and pronounce khutba in Fridays’ Juma congregation wearing Western-style pants, suits and other tight-fitting abrasive and revealing garments and those who follow them are behaving indecently and ignoring the excellent example of the Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam); instead of following the model of kuffars, the non-believers ignorantly jeopardizing their worship. Even those so-called scholars are not feeling guilty of making most imbecilic statements that if ‘the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would come in our time, he would not be wearing age-old clothing; he would be wearing blue jeans’ – astaghfirullah!
The dress the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa salllam) used to wear and the dress of kuffars and the mushriks differ distinctively. So the salafis’ concept that Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihe wa sallam) used the dress up as the kuffars is abruptly wrong and silly. They are unaware of the differences between the sunnah Dress and that of the kuffars.
While a so-called Islamic scholar (claimed to have a Doctorate in Islamic studies) answering questions in a TV, said, “There is no sunnah dress”. One questioner asked, “Did the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and his sahabis (companions) used to wear any dress at all?” He said, “Yes, what the kuffars used to wear.”
Here is what Allah subhanuhu ta’la in the Holy Quran: Allah subhanuhu ta’la says:
“Say (O My Prophet to the believers): If you love Allah, follow me.”
The Holy Quran: (Sura Ahzab; Ayah-21)
“Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allah (subhanuhu ta’la) and the Last Day and remembers Allah (subhanuhu ta’la) much.”
The Holy Quran, (Sura Al Hashr; Ayah -7)
So, a person who is leaving a sunnah just because it is not forded, though he would have adhered to it, is not willing to abide by this ayah hence showing his lack of love for Allah subhanuhu ta’la.
“And whatever the Prophet gives you, ACCEPT IT, and whatever he forbids you, ABSTAIN (from it)”
The Holy Quran: (Sura Al-Imran; Ayah-31)
“Say (O Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) to mankind): ‘If you (really) love Allaah then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic Monotheism, follow the Qur’an and the Sunnah), Allah will love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
The Holy Quran: (Sura Shura; Ayah – 52)
“And thus We have sent to you (O Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) Ruhan (an Inspiration, and a Mercy) of Our Command. You knew not what the Book is, nor what is Faith? But We have made it (this Qur’an) a light wherewith We guide whosoever of Our slaves We will. And verily, you (O Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) are indeed guiding (mankind) to the Straight Path (i.e. Allah’s religion of Islamic Monotheism).”
Abu Dawood
Umm Salama (Radiallaahu Anha) said:
“The piece of clothing best liked by Allah’s Messenger (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was the shirt (thowb).”
(Tirmidhi)
When he put on a shirt (thowb), he used to begin with the right side and says:
“Praise be to Allah who clothed me with this.” And he forbade us to exaggerate in our clothing when he said: “Eat, drink and wear good clothes as long as these things do not involve excess, and arrogance.”
(Ahmed)
In another hadith, it was narrated that:
“Allah’s Messenger (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) cursed the man who puts on woman’s clothes and the woman who puts on men’s clothes.”
We should also attempt to avoid and dislike wearing Western-style clothes, as because the Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
“Whoever imitates a people is one of them.”
(Sunan Abu Dawood)
The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said on the authority of Ibn `Umar:
“Whoso resembles a people in appearance, he is one of them.”
(Abu Dagwood (Libas) and Ahmad (2:50, 2:92))
“Be different from the Jews and the Christians.”
(Sahih Bukhari and Muslim)
The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), had long hair – shortest being under the ears (he did shave on occasions, though), and longest, till the shoulders; he had a beard, and he did prohibit wearing clothes which hung below the ankles ( which is called Isbaal) in a number of hadiths:
“Yahya related to me from Malik from al Ala ibn Abd ar-Rahman that his father said, “I asked Abu Said al-Khudri about the lower garment. He said that he would inform me with knowledge and that he had heard the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say, ‘The lower garment of the mu’min should reach to the middle of his calves. There is no harm in what is between the knee and the ankles. What is lower than that is in the Fire. What is lower than that is in the Fire. On the Day of Rising, Allah will not look at a person who trails his lower garment in arrogance.”
(Al-Muwatta)
Major References
Al-Qur’an, Translation of meanings by A. Yusuf Ali and M. M Pickthal.
Al-Hadith, as cited.
Al-Albani, Muhammad N. Hijabul Mar’at-il-Muslimah Fil-Kttab Wassunah, 3rd Printing, Al-Maktab-ul-lslami, Beirut, Lebanon, 1389 A.H. (1969).
Al-Qaradawi, Yusuf, Al’Halal Walharam Fil-lslam, Maktabat Wahbah, Cairo, 1396 A.H. (1976).
Sabiq, Sayyid, Fiqhus-Sunnah, 2nd Printing, Darul-Kitab-il- Arabi, Beirut, Lebanon, 1392 A.H. (1973).
The resemblance may be in the way they move, walk and speak. Similarly, the two sexes are not permitted to resemble one another in dress or by wearing anything that is specifically for the other sex. So, a man is not permitted to wear necklaces, bracelets, anklets, earrings, etc., as is widespread among hippies and the like. Women are not permitted to wear things that are specifically for men, like the thawb (long garment worn by men in Arab countries), shirts, etc.; whatever she wears should be different in style, details and colour.
The evidence that the two sexes should not resemble one another in dress is found in the hadith narrated by Abu Hurayrah (radiallahu ‘anhu):
“Allah has cursed the man who wears women’s clothes and the woman who wears men’s clothes.”
(Reported by Abu Dawud)
The use of clothing of the kuffar (unbelievers) which they have worn is permissible as long as does not cause discomfort wearing it. Likewise, what they have woven and dyed and what has been imported from their countries are also permissible, as long as they do not comprise anything haram (forbidden), because the Prophet (sallallahu a’laihe wa sallam) and his sahaaba-e keram (his companions) be dressed in items the kuffar had woven and made, and likewise, the Holy Prophet Muhammad(sallallahu a’laihe wa sallam) wore a Roman jubba (a long outer garment, open in front, with wide sleeves). These two are part of the Sunnah Dress too.
I believe, if a believer has his iman firm, he should automatically find other changes within himself and outside i.e., the appearance, the dress and behaviour to point towards that of his faith.
Zazakallaah Khair.
Allah subhanuhu wa ta’la knows the best.