Question : A question was asked on the legal validity of imitating (al-tashabuh) non-Muslims in their dress-sense, and in other ways. Fatwa in Brief: It is forbidden to imitate the customs, beliefs, acts of worship and the moral leniency (tasahul) associated with non-Muslims. Such imitation is illegal, and may lead to disbelief.

The Permanent Committee, al-Buhuth Journal, 94/42

Response:

It is permitted to wear jackets, trousers, pyjamas or jumpers, as long as Muslims do not wear other garments that are religiously illegal like wearing silk fabrics for men. It is not permitted to imitate the People of the Book in their behavior and customs. It is [particularly] illegal to imitate them in terms of the wrongdoing that they commit.

Commentary:

People’s dress sense varies from community to community, and between families, places and times. There are no specific guidelines on how to dress during prayer; that is why there is no limitation [other than those following] to the kinds of clothes we may wear. Any social tradition [regarding the wearing of clothes] that is not contrary to [the principles of] Islam, or harmful to the body, and which lightens suffering and brings benefit to the wearer is desirable (mustahsan). Any style of dress will not be forbidden, unless there is an explicit textual prohibition on the matter, or if it accompanies an illegal action/form of behaviour.

If Islamic law stipulates that a form of dress is prohibited, then it is prohibited. Examples of this such include silk or gold, when worn by men out of pride (rather than necessity); or, when a woman dresses in a way that allows more than is permitted of her body to be shown [literally “displays her ‘awra”); or, if a male or a female dresses in a way solely to imitate the way in which the non-Muslim dresses. All these forms of dress are legally forbidden, not because of the materials involved, but for the meanings communicated through them. Depending upon the piece of clothing in question [and its accompanying meanings], its use may be forbidden, or merely disliked (makruh).

Thereupon, if a Muslim man or woman wears a hat or beret, in keeping with the traditions of his community, or to protect them from the sun, there is no religious objection to this. In fact, if there is any benefit to wearing these things, it is [religiously] desirable to do so. When considering wearing a jacket, trousers, pajamas, a jumper or the tarbush, these are perfectly normal styles of dress [in many countries]. Wearing them is not forbidden for a male or a female, unless as mentioned above they are worn alongside something illegal.

The Fatwa Centre, under the Supervision of Dr. ‘Abdullah al-Faqih:

There is [also] nothing wrong in wearing the traditional shirt (qamis). Indeed, he who wears it is imitating the Prophet (upon him be peace) and may be awarded for following the Sunna. Likewise, there is nothing wrong in wearing a shirt and trousers, as long as these are not too tight, or made of silk. God knows best.

As for wearing glasses, a necklace, ring, bracelet or other golden accessories, this is forbidden to men. However, women can wear all of the above. It is also legal for a woman to wear silver; whereas it is legal for a man only to wear silver rings.

As for the type of reprehensible imitation of non-Muslims that is described in the hadith in al-Sunan of Abu Dawud: “whoever imitates a people is from among them”.[1] It concerns imitation of rituals of worship as a form of glorification of their religion and willful disrespect for one’s religion [Only as a result of such actions is the imitator to be considered a non-Muslim (kafir)].

And God knows best.

Dr. Yassir ‘Abd al-‘Azim