Answered by Ustadha Naielah Ackbarali
I understand that men are not allowed to wear red that is plain red and dyed with saffron. Clothes these days are not dyed with saffron anyway, so is red still haram for men? Also, and most importantly, there is no mention of this for women… so can women wear a PLAIN red shirt or jacket or even a scarf? does it matter what kind of red it is? (for example, not the red that pierces the eyes with its brightness).
Bismi Llahi r-Rahmani r-Rahim
Assalamu alaykum
Ruling for Men & Women:
According to many Hanafi scholars, it is somewhat disliked (makruh tanzihan) for a man to wear saffron red. Thus, it is not sinful but better to avoid[al-Nakhlawi, al-Durr al-Mubaha fi al-Hadhr wa al-Ibaha, 38].
In regards to women, it is not disliked to wear red [Ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar, 5.228, Bulaq ed.]. However, a woman should consider the customary practice of where she is inhabited. In some cultures, women wearing red in public is seen as contrary to dignified Islamic conduct.
Personal Encouragement:
Within every action of a believer’s life, he should strive to imitate the characteristics of the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace). Embodying the quality of modesty within one’s daily appearance plays an essential role in attaining the pleasure and love of Allah Most High. Because some shades of red can be very “eye-catching” and “flashy,” it may be best to choose to wear something more befitting and complimentary to the sunna when outdoors.
Upon dressing, one’s intention should be to cover the awrah and to ornament oneself with the garment adoringly towards those of Islam, whilst praising Allah for the blessing of being clothed [al-Nakhlawi, al-Durr al-Mubaha fi al-Hadhr wa al-Ibaha, 39].
Jazak Allah Khayr.
Ustadha Naielah Ackbarali
( وَكُرِهَ لُبْسُ الْمُعَصْفَرِ وَالْمُزَعْفَرِ الْأَحْمَرِ وَالْأَصْفَرِ لِلرِّجَالِ ) مُفَادُهُ أَنَّهُ لَا يُكْرَهُ لِلنِّسَاءِ ( وَلَا بَأْسَ بِسَائِرِ الْأَلْوَانِ ) وَفِي الْمُجْتَبَى وَالْقُهُسْتَانِيِّ وَشَرْحِ النُّقَايَةِ لِأَبِي الْمَكَارِمِ : لَا بَأْسَ بِلُبْسِ الثَّوْبِ الْأَحْمَرِ ا هـوَمُفَادُهُ أَنَّ الْكَرَاهَةَ تَنْزِيهِيَّةٌ……
Related Links
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http://qa.sunnipath.com/issue_view.asp?HD=1&ID=77&CATE=90
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http://qa.sunnipath.com/issue_view.asp?HD=1&ID=2947&CATE=137