I asked Jabir bin `Abdullah about praying in a single garment. He said, "I traveled with the Prophet (ﷺ)
during some of his journeys, and I came to him at night for some purpose and I found him praying. At
that time, I was wearing a single garment with which I covered my shoulders and prayed by his side.
When he finished the prayer, he asked, 'O Jabir! What has brought you here?' I told him what I
wanted. When I finished, he asked, 'O Jabir! What is this garment which I have seen and with which
you covered your shoulders?' I replied, 'It is a (tight) garment.' He said, 'If the garment is large
enough, wrap it round the body (covering the shoulders) and if it is tight (too short) then use it as an
Izar (tie it around your waist only.)' "
Narrated by Narrated Sa`id bin Al-Harith:
Context
This hadith recounts an incident where Jabir bin Abdullah asks the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) about praying in a single garment. During a journey, Jabir finds the Prophet (ﷺ) praying in a single garment and joins him. The Prophet (ﷺ) later advises Jabir on how to use his garment properly for prayer, highlighting the importance of appropriate clothing during worship.
Modern Application
In today's context, this hadith reminds Muslims to be mindful of their attire during prayers. It encourages individuals to wear clothing that is comfortable and appropriate, ensuring they can focus on their prayers without distraction.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Clothing Etiquette and Islamic Dress Code because it addresses the proper use of garments while praying, emphasizing the significance of appropriate attire in worship.
O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.
O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles. And if you are in a state of janabah, then purify yourselves. But if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the place of relieving himself or you have contacted women and do not find water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and hands with it. Allah does not intend to make difficulty for you, but He intends to purify you and complete His favor upon you that you may be grateful.
O you who have believed, let those whom your right hands possess and those who have not [yet] reached puberty among you ask permission of you [before entering] at three times: before the dawn prayer and when you put aside your clothing [for rest] at noon and after the night prayer. [These are] three times of privacy for you. There is no blame upon you nor upon them beyond these [periods], for they continually circulate among you - some of you, among others. Thus does Allah make clear to you the verses; and Allah is Knowing and Wise.