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As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

 

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

AsSalam Alekum:

 

I would appreciate your comment on the following e-mail I have received from a friend:
abrar zuberi

As Salaam u Alikum,

 

To cover the head, using a turban or wearing a skull cap (Topi) is Sunnah.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) would tie a turban on the cap.  Their is a Hadith in the book Majma Uz Zawaaid which  recorded a Hadith on the authority of Tabarani:

 

Translation of Hadith:  It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Abdullah bin Umar (May Allah be well pleased with them) that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) would wear a white cap. 

 

(Majma Uz Zawaaid, Vol. 5, Pg No. 121)

 

There is a Hadith in Jame' Tirmidhi:

 

Translation of Hadith:  Indeed! The difference between us and the "Mushrikeen" (those who take partners with Allah Ta'ala) is turbans tied on caps. 

 

(Jame' Tirmidhi, Vol. 1, Pg No. 308)

 

Thus, the cap (Topi) is mentioned in the Hadith and we learn that in the blessed era of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), caps were very common and specially for Salaat, turbans were also worn, as given in Sahih Bukhari:

 

Translation of Hadith:  The great Tabi'ee Hadhrat Hasan Basri (May Allah be well pleased with him) says: Because of the heat, the Sahabah, would perform Sajdah on their caps and turbans and their hands would be in their sleeves. 

 

(Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 1, Pg No. 56)

 

Thus, the Masnoon and Mustahab (Established by the Sunnah and the commendable) way is that Salaat should be offered with the head covered.  Not doing because of laziness is Makruh (undesirable), as given in Durre Mukhtaar, Vol. 1, Pg No. 474 and Raddul Muhtaar, Vol. 1, Pg No. 474.

 

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Answer:

 

The covering of head topi

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

 

Allah and His Messenger (saws) have neither specified nor limited the believers to a particular Islamic dress, but rather gave some conditions which the dress one adorns himself/herself with must be fulfilled:

 

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 7 Surah Aaraaf verse 26:

26      O ye children of Adam! We have bestowed clothing upon you to cover your shame as well as to be an adornment to you; but the clothing of ‘taqwa’ (piety, righteousness, etc.) that is the best.  Such are among the Signs of Allah that they may receive admonition!

 

Provided that the below five conditions of apparel are not violated, there is absolutely no restriction on the type or color of clothing the believers are allowed to wear in Islam:

1. Clothes worn should not announce arrogance.  
2. The ‘satr’ of the person (man or woman) must be covered.
3. The clothes worn must not be tight so as to display ones figure and curves,  and should not be transparent.
4. The clothes worn must not be an imitation of the pagans or disbelievers.
5. Men should not imitate women in their clothing; nor should women imitate men in their clothing.  

 

The wearing or abstaining from the head cover for men does not in any way violate any of the above listed restrictions of the dress code.

 

The dressing norm at the time of the Messenger of Allah (saws) was such that the Arabs used to wear a turban over their heads; and thus the Messenger of Allah (saws) normally covered his head with a turban.  Thus, if the normal dress code of the person is such that he covers his head (like the Arab ‘gatra’ or head-cover); then it is fine to wear and even pray with the head cover.  But if the normal dress code of the person is such that in normal circumstances he does not cover his head,  there is absolutely no obligation on him to specially cover his head while praying or reciting the Quran. 

 

Ibn 'Asakir related that the Prophet (saws) would sometimes remove his head cover (turban) and place it in front of him as a ‘sutrah’ for prayer.

 

In light of the above absolutely clear guidance of the above quoted hadith, it is evident that the wearing of a head-cover during their prayers (or reciting the Quran, etc.) is not obligatory upon the believing males in Shariah.

 

Although there are some scholars who opine that the wearing of a head-cover is recommended for the believing males, the absolute majority of the scholars and jurists in Islam are of the opinion that the wearing of head-cover is optional and one of choice.  If one wishes to cover their head with a head-cover, there is no harm; and if one wishes to abstain there is no harm either.  And Allah Alone Knows Best.

 

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me alone.  Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

 

Your brother and well wisher in Islam,

 

 

Burhan