Short sleeves and the Topee (headgear) in Salaat
Concerning attire in Salaat, Allah Ta’ala has commanded:
“O children of Adam (mankind), adopt dignified attire at the time of
Salaat.” (Surah A’araaf Aayat 31)
It must be appreciated from the choice of words used in this command, that
not only is covering one’s body implied but implicit reference is made
towards a distinctive category of attire. Since Allah Ta’ala has used the
word ‘zeenat’ (i.e. dignified or appropriate attire) when referring to
dressing for Salaat. This fact is affirmed by Mufti Shafi Saheb (R.A) who
writes; “During Salaat, merely covering one’s satr (that part of the body,
the concealing of which is compulsory at all times) is not sufficient but
clothes of dignity (zeenat) which is befitting the sanctity of Salaat will
have to be adopted. Thus for a male to perform Salaat bareheaded or with his
elbows exposed (with short-sleeves) will be Makrooh (reprehensible) and a
contradiction of ‘zeenat’. The Shariat views performing Salaat with
short-sleeves as Makrooh, whether the shirt itself is short-sleeve or one
has folded the sleeves.
Likewise it would also be Makrooh to perform Salaat wearing demeaning attire
that one would be ashamed to wear in public.
The ruling of Makrooh that has been attached to performing Salaat bareheaded
or with short-sleeves is not only derived from the word ‘zeenat’ appearing
in the aayat but also has been supported by the Ahaadith of Rasulullah r.
(Ma’ariful Quraan Vol.3 Pg.544)
At the time of Salaat, Hasan Basri (R.A) used to adorn himself with the most
beautiful and dignified clothing and used to exclaim that Allah Ta’ala likes
beauty. Therafter he used to, by way of clarification, recite the
aforementioned (Durrul Mukhtaar Vol.1 Pg.599)
and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
for: Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.