Q: Will the Salaah performed behind an Imaam who wears his trousers below his ankles be valid?
A: Severe warnings have been sounded in the Ahaadith for the one who wears his trousers/kurta (garment) below his ankles.
وعن أَبي هريرة رضي الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال لا ينظر الله يوم القيامة إلى من جر إزاره بطرا (رواه البخاري رقم 5788)
Hazrat Abu Hurairah (Radiallahu Anhu) reported that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “On the day of resurrection, Allah Ta’ala will not look (with mercy) at those who used to wear their garments below their ankles out of pride.” (Bukhaari #5788)
وعنه عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال ما أسفل من الكعبين من الإزار ففي النار (رواه البخاري رقم 5788)
Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “That portion of the garment which hangs below the ankles (the portion of the leg covered by it), would burn in the fire (of Jahannum).” (Bukhaari #5788)
Those performing Salaah behind such an Imaam will not be sinful by performing Salaah behind him, instead the sin will be upon the Imaam as well as those who appointed the Imaam. Though performing Salaah with one’s pants hanging below the ankles is not permissible, the Salaah of the Imaam as well as those following him will be valid.
And Allah Ta’ala knows best.
وإسبال الإزار والقميص بدعة ينبغي أن يكون الإزار فوق الكعبين إلى نصف الساق وهذا في حق الرجال … إسبال الرجل إزاره أسفل من الكعبين إن لم يكن للخيلاء ففيه كراهة تنزيه كذا في الغرائب (الفتاوى الهندية 5/333)
Answered by:
Mufti Zakaria Makada
Checked & Approved:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)