Concession for women to lower garments
📖Sunan Abī Dāwūd 4094
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Hanging down is in lower garment, shirt, and turban. If anyone trails any of them conceitedly, Allah will not look at him on the Day of Resurrection.”
→ This applies to men doing it with pride.
But for women, there’s a clear allowance:
📖Sunan Abī Dāwūd 4116
Ibn Umar said: The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever lets his garment drag out of pride, Allah will not look at him on the Day of Resurrection. Umm Salamah (RA) asked: “What should women do with their hems?” He said: “Let them lower them a handspan.” She asked: “What if it exposes their feet?” He replied: “Then a forearm’s length, and no more.”
Explanation:
- For men, dragging the lower garment (below ankles) is a sign of pride – and is forbidden.
- For women, longer garments are allowed for covering purposes, not pride – and the Prophet ﷺ specifically permitted this.
Modern Application:
Today, arrogance in dress remains – designer brands, overpriced fashion, or exaggerated styles meant to impress or outshine others. For women, the pressure is reversed: expose more to be modern. Islam flips both:
- Men: Keep it humble.
- Women: Cover with dignity, not with trend.
This also applies to tight clothing, excessive makeup, or fashion obsession. Clothing reflects the heart’s attitude.
📖Sunan Ibn Majah 4181
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Every religion has a distinctive quality, and the distinctive quality of Islam is modesty.”
Quranic Context:
📖Quran 7:26
“O children of Adam! We have provided you with clothing to cover your nakedness and as an adornment. But the best clothing is the clothing of righteousness.”
Clothing is not just fabric – it’s a mirror of your character. Arrogance or modesty, both show through what you wear.
📖Quran 24:31
“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity, and not to reveal their adornments… and to draw their veils over their chests…”
Modesty isn’t outdated – it’s divine protection in a world where exposure is sold as empowerment.
📖Quran 31:18
“And do not turn your face away from people in arrogance, nor walk in pride upon the earth. Indeed, Allah does not like the arrogant and boastful.”
Arrogance in behavior, speech, or appearance – including dragging clothes to show off – is condemned. True believers walk with humility, not with the pride of Pharaoh.
If you still think this Hadith doesn’t apply today – look at the fashion industry filled with pride, ego, and exploitation. The Prophet ﷺ gave a timeless code Stay humble, stay covered, stay dignified.