THE TOPI –THE SUNNAH HEADGEAR
The Topi (Islamic Headgear) is of utmost importance, not only during Salaat, but at all times. It distinguishes the Muslim from the non-Muslim. Despite the significance of amaamah (turban), the latter (amaamah) ceases to be an Islamic headgear if worn without a topi. Thus, the Hadith of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) says:
“The difference between us (Muslims) and the mushrikeen is turbans on top of qalaanis (topis).”
Even the mushrikeen would wear turbans. Detesting the style of the mushrikeen, Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) ordered that Topis should be worn under the turbans despite the fact that the Topi will not even be visible. Nevertheless, its importance is established from the emphasis accorded to it by our Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam). It was the permanent headgear of the Sahaabah and of the entire Ummah down these fourteen centuries of Islamic history.
It never was the style of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) nor of the Ambiya (Alayhimus salaam), nor of the Sahaabah, nor of the Auliya nor of the entire Ummah since the inception of Islam to be in public without Islamic headgear (Topi or Amaamah on top of the Topi). While Amaamah without Topi is not permissible, Topi without Amaamah is permissible.
Those who have discarded Islamic headgear should reflect and ask themselves: “Whose style have we adopted?” If they are sincere, they will understand that it is the style of the western kuffaar to strut about bare-headed.
SALAAT WITH SHORT SLEEVES
It is Makrooh Tahrimi (forbidden) to expose the elbows during Salaat, and it is in conflict with Islamic Murawwat (Culture) to have the elbows exposed in public. It never was the style of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) nor of the Sahaabah nor of the Ambiyaa nor of the entire Ummah down the long corridor of Islam’s history to perform Salaat with kurtahs with such short sleeves which expose the elbows. This exposure is also among the styles of the western kuffaar whom Muslims are emulating.
In Fataawa Siraajiah, Fataawa Qaazi Khaan as well as other Kutub of the Shariah it is mentioned that it is Makrooh to have the elbows exposed during Salaat. It is disrespectful to the Salaat. But Muslims nowadays being addicted to the styles of the western kuffaar fail to understand the notoriety of this misdeed. When performing Salaat, one stands in the presence of Allah Ta’ala and communes with Him. Therefore it is not permissible to be in the Divine Presence in a disrespectful manner. Such Salaat is not accepted by Allah Ta’ala. In Fataawa Mahmoodiah, the prohibition is stated as follows:
“Wearing a qamees (kurtah) with half-sleeves is not narrated from Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Such a qamees is in conflict with the Sunnah.”
Whatever is in conflict with the Sunnah, is Makrooh Tahrimi, the consequence of which is the Fire of Jahannam.
TROUSERS BELOW THE ANKLES
Wearing the trousers on or below the ankles is haraam. There are many Saheeh Ahaadith pertaining to this prohibition. It is explicitly mentioned in the Hadith that the portion of the feet below the ankles will be in the fire. Abu Hurairah (Radhiyallahu anhu) narrated that Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:
“Whatever of the ankles is covered by the garment will be in the Fire.”
Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) repeated this warning thrice.
9 Jamaadith Thaani 1444 – 2 January 2023