Question : A question was asked about women wearing trousers/pants.

Fatwa in Brief: It is not permitted for a woman to wear trousers/pants even if these are very loose.

Shaykh Ibn al-‘Uthaymin, Dawah Journal, no. 1476/1

Response:

The style of clothing worn by men and women depends on the culture, place and time in which they live. Broadly speaking, most forms of clothing are permitted, except those which Islam has specifically prohibited.

Commentary:

Men and women’s clothing depends on factors of culture, community and/or family, and place and time; it also depends on the benefits and harm [that such clothes bring to the wearer]. Most forms of clothing are permitted, except those which Islam has specifically prohibited for certain clear reasons [for instance, when they allow a person’s ‘awra to be shown]. There is no type of clothing that must be worn [at all times by Muslims] because putting on one’s clothes is not an act of worship. Similarly, there is no prohibition against wearing any type of clothing, except if this clothing flouts the stipulations of Islamic law, or if this clothing has a design, or symbol, that is prohibited.

If Islamic law stipulates that an item of clothing is prohibited, then, this case is analogous to the prohibition on men wearing silk and/or gold. For, if an item of clothing promotes any sentiment that runs counter [to the spirit and demands of] Islamic law – such as when a man wears clothers that betray his arrogance and pride; or when a woman allows her ‘awra to be shown; or when clothing is worn [by a man or woman] so as consciously to resemble that of the unbelievers – it is forbidden. [In this sense] It is not the clothing that is prohibited; but, rather, the things that come with it. Such things may be hated or prohibited.

To conclude this matter:

1.  There is nothing wrong with men and women wearing hats or caps for protection against the sun, a habit common to many countries. Indeed, doing so may be a beneficial act if the person’s intention is good – for prevention [of sickness] is better than cure.

2.  [These days] Suits, pants, pajamas, coats and jackets/tops are worn almost universally [by both men and women]. There is no harm in wearing these clothes, on the condition that they do not, in any way, flout the stipulations of Islamic law, as this has been described above.[1]

Dr. Yassir ‘Abd al-‘Azim