COVERING THE HEAD

To perform Salah without covering the head is not a proper way of performing Salah. Similarly, to perform Salah in a T-shirt or short-sleeved shirt is not an appropriate attire. The Qur’an-e-Kareem has used the formula "Zeenat" instead of "Libaas" (clothing) where Allah Ta’ala has commanded to dress at the time of every Salah. Zeenat signifies beauty. The 'Ulama-e-Deen have said that the reason why the Qur’an-e-Kareem used "Zeenat" instead of "Libaas" is to show that a Musalli should not only cover his body, but he should adopt an appropriate garb as per the esthetical point of view. He should not dress anyhow. He should dress in a respectable way as he is presenting himself in front of none other than the Rabb-ul-Aalameen in Salah. Therefore, all garbs that show frivolity and negligence in Salah, should be avoided. Not to cover the head, to wear T-shirt or short-sleeved shirt is not a respectful attire. Therefore, it is Makruh to perform Salah in such an attire. 

At this stage, it is very important to note that the jurists have said that if a person performs Salah without covering the head due negligence, then in this case, it is Makruh. However, if a person does not cover the head out of contempt for the practice of covering the head, then this is Kufr. Thus, one should be very careful.

We should act with a lot of wisdom in regards to covering or uncovering the heads in Salah. We should not judge people wrongly, especially our youngsters, who, despite all kinds of temptations that are found in the outside world, take out some time to come and perform Salah in the Masjid. It is something that deserves to be appreciated. They are sincere and are acting according to their knowledge. One should not ill-treat them due to having worn a T-shirt or a short-sleeved shirt. After all, their Salah is valid as the main thing is to cover the body from below the navel to the knees. Nonetheless, they should be educated in order to bring about an improvement in them. This may take a considerable amount of time but there should be a good result. Even if we do not get the opportunity to see this good result, we should plant the seed so that at least others get shade under it after us.

[English version of "Couvert la tete" – Al Jamiat – Vol.1 No.5]