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
[1]
‘Alam Nassir, Fatawa Dar al-Ifta’
al-Misriyyah, no. 1369/11/05, 1950/08/19.