Keeping Lower Garment above Ankle

By Mufti Muhammad Kadwa
Posted: 6 Muharram 1423, 21 March 2002

CHECKED AND APPROVED CORRECT: Mufti Ebrahim Desai

Q.) Letting one's lower garments loose so that it is touches the ground represented pride in a person in the Arabs of the pre-Islamic times, therefore, Messenger of Allah Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam forbade to let the lower garment touch the ground and ordered to keep it above the ankle.

Since nowadays we do not wear such garments in most occasions (normally we wear shalwar, pajama, pants, etc) and nor does the covering of ankle by the lower garment represents pride in a man these days as we have different cultural aspects compared to the Arabs of those time. Should we therefore still consider it a (major) sin?

A.) Irrespective of the reason furnished, the Hadith describes it as a sin and it should still be considered a major sin. Besides, wearing a garment above the ankle is the Sunnah of Rasulullah Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. That is sufficient for us to follow. And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best