Darul Uloom Trinidad & Tobago

Question:

Salam,

What is the ruling on wearing your pants above your ankles? And what is the possible wisdom behind this commandment?

Answer:

Wa Alaikum As Salaam,

Based on the Ahadith of the Prophet (SAS), the scholars have stated that to wear the pants over the ankles (while letting it drop beneath the ankles) is Makrooh Tahreemi (reprehensible to a light nature). If one wears it in this manner out of pride and arrogance, then it will be considered as Makrooh Tahreemi (reprehensible to a grave extent).

While prohibiting us from wearing the trousers over the ankles, the Prophet (SAS) is reported to have said, ‘There are three people with whom Allah will not speak on the Day of Judgement. He will not look to them with mercy, and will not purify them from sins, and they will have a severe punishment. The Prophet (SAS) then mentioned that one of these three people will be that person who wore his trousers over (beneath the ankles). (Sunnah Abu Dawood).

It is for this reason, the scholars have stated that one must wear one’s pants above the ankles. It must not be worn beneath the ankle that it goes over the ankles.

With respect to the wisdom behind this law, the Prophet (SAS) is reported to have said that wearing the trousers over the ankles is from the practices of the proud and arrogant ones. Hence, to follow this practice is to display pride and arrogance.

A believer is therefore prohibited form adopting these traits. (Kitabul Fatawa vol.2 pg.214).

And Allah knows best,
Mufti Waseem Khan

27/4/2013