Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.  (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

Assalamu alaikum,

First of all may Allah SWT bless you all for the efforts you have made in His path.

I would like some clarification on the following issue:

Some Muslims are of a very firm opinion regarding the wearing of a "skullcap", "topee" or a similiar head wear for salaah and otherwise. My questions are as follows:

1. I am certain that wearing of this head wear is NOT Fard, and does not constitute a compulsory aspect of one`s dress for prayer. However, is it considered Sunnah, and if so, can you provide the hadith? Also, even if it is a Sunnah act, would it be considered a Sunnah that derives benefit, or not?

2. It is also recommended by many Muslims, especially those who adhere STRICTLY to the Hanafi Madhhab, to wear this headwear on entering the toilet. Can you confirm if this is in fact an AUTHENTIC Sunnah of the Rasul s.a.w., and provide the reference if possible?

I sincerely thank you for your assistance, and once again - may Allah SWT bless and guide you all immensely for the assistance you provide to many Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

Wasslamu `alaikum

(There may be some grammatical and spelling errors in the above statement. The forum does not change anything from questions, comments and statements received from our readers for circulation in confidentiality.)

Answer:

Wearing a cap in prayer

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

Your Question: I am certain that wearing of this head wear is NOT Fard, and does not constitute a compulsory aspect of one`s dress for prayer. However, is it considered Sunnah, and if so, can you provide the hadith? Also, even if it is a Sunnah act, would it be considered a Sunnah that derives benefit, or not?

Wearing a covering on the head while offering his prayers or while reciting the Quran is not amongst the obligatory acts for a believing male in Shariah. If one covers his head, or leaves it uncovered; both ways his prayers and his worship will be considered valid.

The dressing norm at the time of the Messenger of Allah (saws) was such that the Arabs used to wear a turban over their heads; and thus the Messenger of Allah (saws) normally always prayed with his head covered. Thus, if the normal dress code of the person is such that he covers his head (like the Arab ‘gatra’ or head-cover); then it is fine to pray with the head cover. But if there the normal dress code of the person is such that in normal circumstances he does not cover his head, there is no need to specially cover his head while praying or reciting the Quran. But if he does cover his head, there is absolutely no harm.

Ibn 'Asakir related that the Prophet would sometimes remove his head cover (turban) and place it in front of him as a ‘sutrah’ for prayer.

In light of the above absolutely clear guidance of the above quoted hadith, it is evident that the wearing of a head-cover during their prayers is not obligatory upon the believing males in Shariah.

Your Question: It is also recommended by many Muslims, especially those who adhere STRICTLY to the Hanafi Madhhab, to wear this headwear on entering the toilet. Can you confirm if this is in fact an AUTHENTIC Sunnah of the Rasul s.a.w., and provide the reference if possible?

To the best of our knowledge there is absolutely nothing in the established and authentic Sunnah whereby it dictates that one should cover their head when entering a toilet.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me alone. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your brother and well wisher in Islam,

Burhan