QUESTION:
As Salaamu Alaikum,
Is it permissible to wear the pants under the ankle, what is the ruling on this please?
ANSWER:
Wa Alaikum As Salaam,
Based on the traditions of the Prophet (S.A.W), it is evident that for males it is not permissible to wear the pants /trousers under the ankles. The ruling will be the same for long Qamees (kurta), Jubba and Izar (lungi-waist cloth).
This prohibition of wearing garments that cover and go beneath the ankles is established from a number of traditions narrated from the Prophet (S.A.W).
In this regard, Abu Hurariah (R.A) narrated that the Prophet (S.A.W) said, ‘That which goes beneath the ankle from the trousers/pants/loin cloth, will be in Hell’. (Sahih Al Bukhari Hadith No 5787)
In another hadith, Abu Dhar (R.A) narrates that the Prophet (S.AW) said, ‘There are three people to whom Allah will not speak on the Day of Judgement and He will not look at them, nor will He purify them, and for them will be a painful punishment. They are, one who wears his trousers beneath the ankles, one who reproaches when he gives a favor (to others) and one who sells his goods through false oath. (Sahih Muslim Kitaabul Imaan Hadith No. 106; Musanaf Ibn Abi Shaiba Vol. 4 Hadith No. 22195 Dar Al Kutub Al Ilmiya 2017; Sunan Abu Dawood Hadiith No.4087)
In another tradition, Abu Saeed Al Khudri (R.A) said, ‘I heard the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W) saying, ‘The lower garments of the believers should be until half of the calves and there is no harm upon the person if it reaches between that and the ankles. However, what is below that (the ankle) will be in the fire of Hell. The Prophet (S.A.W) then said three times, ‘Allah will not look at that person who drags his pants/trousers out of pride and arrogance’. (Sunan Ibn Majah Hadith 3573; Sunan Abu Dawood Hadith No. 4093).
In this Hadith, the Prophet (S.A.W) mentioned the manner of dress for men and stated that a man must wear the garment which covers the lower part of his body like pants/trousers, loin cloth (lungi), even the long Qamees, kurta,Jubba etc. in a manner that they reach until half of the calves.
He further stated that if one wears the pants/trousers etc. in a manner that it reaches between half of the calves and the ankles (anywhere between this area), then there is no harm and sin upon him. However, if one wears the garment in such a manner that it crosses over the ankles and goes beneath them, then it will be in the fire of Hell.
Further, in order to warn his Ummah of the seriousness and severe nature of this matter, the Prophet (S.A.W) repeated the statement three times, saying that on the Day of Judgement Allah will not look to that person with mercy and compassion, who allows his garment to drag (on the ground) out of pride, arrogance and self-conceit.
This hadith gives a clear prohibition to men that they must not wear their clothing/garments in a manner that these cross the ankles and go beneath them.
It must be understood that the warning and prohibition given in the above hadith are general, and includes the state of being in Salah and out of Salah. One must not consider the above to be only for Salah. This is a teaching which is connected to males at all times, and in all conditions, except when it is beyond the control of an individual.
And Allah Knows best
Mufti Waseem Khan
25/11/2024