Men folding their trousers above the ankle before starting the prayer

8-3-2009 | IslamWeb

Question:

Assalamualaikum, i have seen men folding their trousers if they are long when they go for salaah as the trouser has to be above the ankles according to the shariah. but recently i heard that if the trousers are not stitched in such a way that they end above the ankles then it is not allowed to roll or fold them for prayers but it should be left trailing. please clarify

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

 

We have already issued Fataawa 86477, 81978 and 91026 clarifying that it is forbidden for men to wear garments below the ankle. Besides,  we are not aware of any religious evidence that it is not permissible to raise the clothes above the ankle before starting the prayer; rather, this is permissible as in Fatwa 90668.

Nonetheless, it is confirmed not to tuck up the clothes or hair during the prayer as the Prophet said: "I was ordered to prostrate on seven bones: on the forehead, two hands, two knees, and toes of both feet, and we should not tuck up clothes and hair   (during prayers)" [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

As regards tucking up clothes or hair outside the prayer, then this is permissible. Therefore, one should tuck up the trousers and the lower garment if they extend below the ankle, whether this is when performing the prayer or else, because it is Islamicly forbidden to lower the garments below the ankle in the prayer or outside the prayer as we already explained. For more benefit, refer to Fatwa 86901.

Allaah Knows best.