The Muslim Man’s Dress Code
August 30, 2007 by Umm Yusuf
A muslim man and his wife are walking down a crowded street in Miami. It’s hot and humid. The woman is covered showing nothing but her hands and face and the man……well, many times is in jeans and a t-shirt or perhaps shorts and a t-shirt. Now, I’m not screaming “haram!” at these men. Of course not, their dress code isn’t the same as a Muslim woman’s dress code. However, this image usually fuels the arguments of many Non Muslims that women are oppressed and have too many rules attached to their dress. Just yesterday a comment was made to me “Well, that’s fine, as long as he covers his head too.” I told her “Yes, rest assured my husband is dressed in long sleeves, pants, and has his head covered too. We’re happily suffering through the heat together. Solidarity!” So, we had a good chuckle and went along our ways. I’m never surprised when I get these comments. Though, In fact, If you take a look at Muslim countries you will see many men with their heads covered. In fact many men in those countries dress in thobes, long sleeves, etc.
Some people may do a double take when they learn that Muslim men have a dress code as well. Some men take their dress code lightly. Some think the women’s code is more important and thus spend their lives lecturing various women about what to wear and what not to wear. These men need to seriously understand that disobedience to Allah is disobedience to Allah whether you are a man or a woman.
The following are some rules related to men’s dress in Islam as well as some pictures of traditional islamic clothing for men. Some of these apply to women as well (which I will mark with an *).
Trim the moustache and save the beard. [Al-Bukhari and
Muslim]
It is haraam (forbidden)for women to imitate men and men to imitate women in the way they dress, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) cursed the men who imitate women and the women who imitate men.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5546.
*It is Sunnah to pay attention to keeping one’s clothes clean, without feeling arrogant or exaggerating about that.
It was narrated from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “No one will enter Paradise in whose heart is a mustard-seed of arrogance.” A man said: “What if a man likes his clothes to look nice and his shoes to look nice?” He said: “Allaah is Beautiful and loves beauty; arrogance means rejecting the truth and looking down on people.”
Narrated by Muslim, 91.
It is haraam for the Muslim man to let any garment he wears hang down beneath his ankles (an action known as isbaal); the limit for any garment is the ankles.
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said; “Whatever of the lower garment is beneath the ankles is in the Fire.”
Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5450.
*It was narrated from Abu Dharr that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There are three to whom Allaah will not speak on the Day of Resurrection and will not look at them or praise them, and theirs will be a painful torment.” The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) repeated it three times. Abu Dharr said: “May they be doomed and lost; who are they, O Messenger of Allaah?” He said: “The one who lets his garment hang beneath his ankles, the one who reminds others of favours he has done, and the one who sells his product by means of false oaths.”
Narrated by Muslim, 106.
Abu Dawood (3140) and Ibn Maajah (1460) narrated that ‘Ali (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Do not show your thigh, and do not look at the thigh of anyone, living or dead.” (The majority of fuqaha’ are of the view that these ahaadeeth should be followed and they stated that a man’s ‘awrah is from the navel to the knee. See al-Mughni, 2/284 )-Some are of the opinion this is not authentic as there is another hadith stating the Prophet was riding a mule and his thigh was showing. However, most scholars say it is authentic and a man should cover navel to knee.
It was narrated by Ahmad and al-Nasaa’i, and by al-Tirmidhi who classed it as saheeh, and by Abu Dawood, and by al-Haakim who classed it as saheeh, and by al-Tabaraani, and classed as saheeh by Ibn Hazm, from Abu Moosa al-Ash’ari (may Allaah be pleased with him), that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:
“Gold and silk have been permitted for the females of my ummah, and forbidden for the males.”
Items died with saffron dye Narrated Anas: The Prophet forbade men to use saffron. (Book #72, Hadith #737)
Lower the gaze and guard the private parts from illegal sexual acts.*
Dress modestly*
Oh, and one of the most important rules and perhaps one of the most overlooked (after lowering the gaze): Be distinct and do not resemble the unbelievers. *
How many men actually follow these rules? How many dismiss them and think they aren’t that important? Often, the very same ones who dismiss their own dress codes are the most outspoken on the dress of women in Islam. Brothers need to wake up and take care to make sure they are dressed correctly. It is just as important that brothers follow the rulings as women. Also, men need to know, just because a woman is dressed provocitavely, letting it all hang out so to speak doesn’t give you the right to stare at her. The rules of lowering the gaze applies whether the woman is wearing a burqa or a bikini. Most brothers need to take care and remember that. Dressing properly is just as much inner as outer. Like a woman’s hijab it encompasses modesty, inner pride, a desire to please your creator and follow the sunnah, lowering the gaze and protecting yourselves from such sins as illegal intercourse, lying, backbiting, and cursing. It includes being kind, just, fair, humble. It includes being kind to your wives as the Prophet(saw) said: The best of you are the one’s who is best to their wives. In general having the character that the Prophet (saw) and his righteous companions exhibited. We like to talk about Muslim women following the examples of other pious Muslim women. Well, men should follow the examples of the Prophet and his companions. Brothers today should reflect on their kindness, compassion, fondness with their wives, integrity and implement these characteristics in their own lives. In a family we all play a part. Everyone is a shepherd (leader) over their own station. We all work together. The Muslim man needs to pull his weight as he asks the Muslim woman to do so as well. This way things will run smoothly and the family unit will be a source of peace and comfort to the heart, insh’Allah. The children will grow up with the same values and ultimatley the entire ummah will benefit.
I want to give a shout out to the brothers who do follow the dressing guidelines and are modest. Those who do implement the characteristics of a good muslim man. Because they are rare indeed. Alhamdullilah for the brothers who do dress appropriately and lower their gazes. May Allah reward you all and bless you in this life and the Hereafter. ameen. And as the Prophet (saw) said: Glad tidings to the strangers!
If I have left out any of the dress requirements for men please feel free to add. 
Some Examples of traditional clothing for Muslim men:
Assalamu’alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh UmmYusuf,
hehehe…i was smiling reading this post of yours, love the way you wrote it. Great topic too! Truly enjoy today’s post
I hate it when everyone expects us women to cover and guys can wear anything they want, tight jeans and shirts, shorts etc.
good post
Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatu
Finally,someone has brought up the issue of the brothers ALSO having a dress code…they can’t wear whatever they want,even though alot of times they do…masha’Allah…great post!
as Salamu ‘Alaykum
Men can wear shorts (that do meet certain conditions) because their ‘awrah is different from woman. More emphasis is given to women because of the fact that the Qur’an mentions the dress and emphasises her more.
Also, the site which I believe you quoted from also believes a woman’s entire body is ‘awrah.
Wa Alaikum salaam wrwb sister umm layth,
I didn’t say men can’t wear shorts. I told the lady that my husband was wearing pants, long sleeved shirt and hat because he was. Not because he had to but he was. I mentioned that men in many countries cover their heads with turbans, kufi’s etc because they do. I didn’t say they have to wear them. But many westerners think only women cover their heads. I said I am not screaming haram at these men because their restrictions are different from women. I posted the hadith (which some scholars have different opinions about..some say that the navel to knee is not aurah for a man. Which I also mentioned that opinion.) Most scholars do say a man’s aurah is his navel to his knee and men do have fobidden things mentioned such as not wearing silk, saffron dyed items, gold, imitating the unbelievers dress, etc.. They also have things which the prophet clearly ordered such as the beard and pants not hanging below ankles. Many men do not follow these rules today.
I didn’t quote from any website. The hadiths I looked up on “Search Truth” and islamqa. The clothing I did a search on yahoo images.
I believe both sexes have an equal obligation to follow the guidelines imposed upon them by Allah and the Prophet whether male or female. It bothers me that men take their responsiblities so lightly many times and the failure of lowering their gaze is extremely prevalent. I don’t know how many times that I have seen brothers glaring at non muslim women who are half dressed even as their wife is beside them covered head to toe. It’s extremely frustrating and the women are hurt and embarrassed. As I mentioned in my post hijab (outer modesty) is a reflection of inner modesty and submission….as is the case with a woman and her hijab.
The short comment was towards the sister that commented.
I also mentioned the issue of the face because that is a relevant issue for women, as well. And I knew you got it from Islam-qa, who are hanbalis, and that’s why I mentioned it.
Assalaamu Alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu sister Umm Layth,
Thanks for your imput and for clearing that up. Sorry, I misunderstood.
as salamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatu,
what a great post!! I am thinking of sending it to my cousin who was just here last week. She had some questions on the dress code of men in Islam, mashaAllah, this would be perfect. Jazaki Allah Khair.
Wa alaikum assalaam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu,
Seems like alot of non muslims have questions about the men’s dress code in Islam. I know my sister asked me and then random people ask or make their little comments quite often. Oh well, insh’Allah it opens the conversation for da’wah and many are surprised that men’s dress is adressed at all. Most of the focus is on women.
Wa iyaki….thanks for stopping by! I’ve missed you sis MuniQaba!
this is a great reminder to a few of our brothers
wonderful blog, mashaAllaah
you’re right; too often non-Muslims think that the way Muslim women dress is a sign of man’s authority over them…maybe because that is what the Bible says? (I just wrote a post about this!)
Alhumdulillah for Islam <3
Exemplary post and a sort of revival.
asalamwalekum to all my brothers and sisters all over in the world .. i really thankful to this website because such an important question raised……….
Asalaamu Aleikoem Waragmatullahi Wa Barakatoe I think that many of our brothers know this,but are scared to practice it.One of the questions that we will be asked in the kabr,is not what we know? or how long we studied?,but WHAT DID WE DO WITH OUR KNOWLEAGE?Brothers this is our resposibility.Lets imetate our leader & profit Mughamat S.W.W insha AllAH Shukran sister for your efforts & may AllAH reward you & make us of those who practice what little we know,ameen.
Assalamualaykum,
Great site and great topic. Maybe it would be possible for someone to go through the general western dress sense that men today have to identify which ones conform with the shariah and which dont.
Barakallah
Wasalaam
Assalamu alaikum
Please help me understand for im confused.
1) the limit for any garment is theankle. Does that mean man cannot wear shirt or does that mean they can wear anything on top aslongas the navel is covered but the pants has to reach the ankle?
To wear shorts if they meet certain conditions. Is not that in contradiction with the following statement: (the limit for any garment is the ankle). Please brothers and sisters in islam if you have any advice or comment feel freeto email mimi@sendweb.com
The website is a great source of information. May Allah forgive us all and reward us for our deeds.
Jazakalahu hairan.
Assalaamu Alaikum Sister Bineta,
Thanks for stopping by the blog.
Most scholars say as I wrote above that the man must be covered from his navel to his knee (that is a minimum requirement). That means he can’t show in public anything from his navel to his knee. The same as a woman can not show anything other than her face and hands. At home, in private, ,of course he can do what he wants…the same as women and hijab. Again, some scholars do not support this idea but the majority do.
As for the length of the garments: The garments must not drag the ground (below his ankle) as is mentioned in the saheeh hadith above. So, they must come to at least the knee (minimum) but can be longer as long as they are not below the ankles.
[...] The Muslim Man’s Dress Code [...]
Excellent blog.
I am a fairly recent convert (revert) to Islam and am trying, myself, to make sense of a male dress code. It is confusing as a lot of Muslim men here in Malaysia do not adhere to any of the recommended dress codes for Muslim men.
I also confusied .I think it is the minimum requirement of dress code.If any 1 know specific hadith about it than plz inform me by
gibonanondo@mig33.Com
Is any scholar said about the wearing garments under ankle is just the minimam requirement?
Salam Aleikum Wa Rahmatullah Hei Wabarkatuhu,
I think the article has been well written and it should stand as Bench Mark for the Muslim Brothers.
Jazak Allah
Sarfaraz Ahmed
sarfaraz.worlds@gmail.com
Assalamualaikum
JazakiLlah sister for this great effort. AlhamduliLlah as a man I have given less stricted rule regarding the dress by our religion. However, I do not think that Muslim men should uncover parts of their bodies [for example legs by wearing shorts] if it was not necessary. Rather I think Islam gives men opportunity to be less covered because of the responsibilities [job, heavy job] they have, and they should not let women do heavy works because it is they rensponsibility to do so. SubhanaLlah, what a great ihtiram [respect] Islam gives for women.
I do not know how I could reach brother Yusuf/Martin, the convert brother who is in Malaysia. He is right that many Malaysians do not follow Islamic dress code, both sisters and brothers. But I am sure that he lives in the capital/metropolitan/city where the majority are not good Muslims and do not know much about Islam. I suggest [brother Yusuf] to go to either the eastcoast states [Terengganu, Kelantan] or westcoast states [Kedah,Perlis] if he really wants to a real Islamic way of life and learn Islam and Islamic code of manners. By the way I am from Terengganu, and I know that the government [malaysia] is always speak again the states of Terengganu and Kelantan that they are too poor and places for Islamic fundamentalist. But they are not. Well, if they mean that we are fundamentalist because we practice our religion, I do not mind, rather I am so happy for that. Good luck brother, and may Allah reward you.
And you too sister Umm Yusuf.
this is to inform all the muslims that how can a country like philippines to properly observe dress code in an islamic way that even if you want to BUY a simple turban, it will cost your time because of its unavailability?
are you all willing to send thousands of proper dress for islams to the philippines so we can avail it?
[...] Islam ada batasan yang jelas…. dijelaskan tentang batasan aurat laki-laki dan perempuan (The Muslim Man’s dress code + Aurat silang janita) , diminta untuk saling menjaga aurat , diharuskan menghindari zina, tidak [...]
[...] The Muslim Man’s Dress Code [...]