A Muslim's garment in Western countries

Clothes are a great blessing from the numerous favors of Allah on His Servants for covering private parts and protection from hot and cold, and all pests.

The Shari`ah came with detailed rulings to explain the positions that must be covered as well as the desirable, forbidden, reprehensible, and the permissible types of clothes.[1]

These are some Fatwas pertaining to the garments of Muslims, and what should be avoided whether in lowering the garment or wearing tight and transparent clothes that display one's private parts, or whether they resemble the clothes of disbelievers, lewd people, women, or other violations.

The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta' in Saudi Arabia was asked: A questioner says:

What is the ruling on the Musbil (one who lengthens and trails clothing below the ankles)?

A: Isbal (lengthening and trailing clothing below the ankles) is prohibited for men, whether they are garments, trousers, cloaks or whatsoever based on the general meaning of the saying of the Prophet (peace be upon him): The part of an Izar which hangs below the ankles is in the Fire.[2] Also, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Three persons whom Allah shall neither speak to on the Day of Resurrection, nor look at, nor purify, and they shall have a painful torment: he who reminds (the people) of what he gives, he who lets his izar (lower garment) hang below his ankles (out of pride) and he who sells his merchandise by false swearing" Related by Muslim in his Sahih (authentic) Book, and Imam Ahmad in his Musnad (Hadith compilation).[3] [4]

May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.

The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta'

The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta' in Saudi Arabia was asked:

A question says:

Wearing suits is very common in Muslim countries. The suit is composed of a jacket and trousers, or may be just trousers and a shirt. Some may wear a shirt with long sleeves or short sleeves in summer due to the excessive heat. Is wearing this type of clothing considered imitation of non-Muslims in any way?

A: The general ruling regarding all types of clothes is permissibility because it is a custom. Allah (Exalted be He) says: Say (O Muhammad peace be upon him): "Who has forbidden the adornment with clothes given by Allâh, which He has produced for His slaves, and At-Taiyyibât [all kinds of Halâl (lawful) things] of food?" All things which are prohibited or disliked according to Shari`ah (Islamic law) are excluded from this ruling, such as wearing silk for men, transparent clothes which show the color of the skin, or tight garments that outline the body. They take the same ruling as exposing the body, which is not permissible. The same applies to clothes which are made specially for non-Muslims. It is not permissible for men or women to wear them because the Prophet (peace be upon him) prohibited imitating non-Muslims. Likewise, it is prohibited for men to wear the clothes of women and vice-versa, because the Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade men and women imitating one another. The trousers and shirts are not only worn by non-Muslims, but it is a common custom worn by both Muslims and non-Muslims in many countries. In some countries, people dislike wearing such clothing because they are not familiar with them and since they wear different clothes, even if this is against the custom of Muslims. However, it is better for a Muslim living in a country that is not familiar with this attire not to wear it during Salah (Prayer), public gatherings, or on the street.[5]

May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.

The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta'

The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta' in Saudi Arabia was asked:

A question says:

There is a custom in American universities that students wear a graduation robe on their graduation day, which is similar to the Arabian gown, and a cap. It is said that such clothes were used by monks in the past. Based on this, is it permissible for a Muslim student to wear this robe in the graduation ceremony?

A: It is not permissible for a student to wear this robe, if it is one of the clothes related to non-Muslims. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Anyone who imitates a group of people is one of them.[6] The prohibition is confirmed if it is proven that such clothes were used by monks[7].

May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.

The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta'

Clothes of infidels

Sheikh Ibn `Uthaymeen (may Allah be merciful with him) was asked about the ruling on washing our clothes with the clothes of infidels in Western countries?

The answer was: Clothes of infidels are impure because they do not make istinja' or Istijmar. So, if it is possible to separate them, it will be better. However, we should know or become sure that the one who washes them pours water on them several times to make them clean.[8]

He was also asked about the clothes on which phrases oppose the religion or honor. It is not permissible for men or women to wear something on which Arabic or non-Arabic phrases are written and whether the phrases include the entire body or part of it such as phrases that indicate to a religion, a feast, drinking wine, committing fornication, and suchlike. It is not permissible to circulate, sell, or buy these garments and their price is unlawful because of the Prophet's saying: "When Allah prohibits something, He prohibits its price."[9]

My advice to my Muslim brothers is to fear their lord and avoid what has been forbidden to them to obtain the happiness of this world and of the Hereafter.[10]

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[1] The letter of Sheikh Bakr Abu Zayd (The limit of garment and loincloths, and prohibiting lowering the garment and garments of show off) p. 22- 24 with paraphrasing.

[2] Sahih Al Bukhari No. (5787).

[3] Sahih Muslim No. (106).

[4] Fatwas of Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta' (24/12) No. 19600.

[5] Fatwas of Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta' (24 /38 - 39) No. 1620.

[6] Musnad (Hadith compilation of) Imam Ahmad (2 /92) and Adh-Dhahaby said in Siyar A`lam An-Nubala' (15 /509) its chain of narration is authentic.

[7] Fatwas of Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta' (24 /98) No. 34.

[8] Accumulated fatwas and messages of Sheikh Ibn `Uthaymain (15 /444 - 445).

[9] Sunan Abu Dawud No. (3488) and Ad-Daraqutny (3 /7) No. (20) with his own wordings, and Al Albany graded it as authentic in his book Ghayat Al Muram fi Takhrij Ahadith Al Halal Wal-Haram, p. 192 No. (318).

[10] Fatwas and messages of Ibn `Uthaymain (12 /284 - 285).