Hadith Text & Reference

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."

Reference: Sunan Abi Dawud 4094 | Book: Clothing (Kitab Al-Libas)

Meaning & Context

This hadith addresses the Islamic etiquette of clothing, specifically prohibiting isbal - the practice of allowing one's garments to extend below the ankles. The prohibition applies to three common garments: the lower garment (izar), shirt (qamis), and turban (imamah).

The Prophet (ﷺ) identified three specific garments where this prohibition applies, indicating that the ruling is not limited to one type of clothing but encompasses all garments that could be dragged on the ground.

Scholarly Commentary

Classical scholars explain that the prohibition applies when garments are lengthened out of arrogance and pride. Imam Nawawi states: "The scholars agree that letting the garment hang below the ankles out of arrogance is haram (forbidden)."

The severe warning - that Allah will not look at such a person on Judgment Day - indicates the gravity of this sin when committed with arrogance. This divine disregard signifies deprivation of mercy and acceptance.

Scholars differentiate between intentional trailing out of pride (which is strictly forbidden) and unintentional lengthening (which is disliked but less severe). The condition "conceitedly" indicates that the sin lies in the intention behind the action.

Spiritual Wisdom

This prohibition teaches humility and modesty in appearance, countering the pre-Islamic practice of displaying wealth and status through extravagant clothing. It reminds believers that outward appearance reflects inward spiritual states.

The ruling protects against wastefulness, as dragging garments damages them unnecessarily. It also promotes practicality and cleanliness by preventing garments from collecting impurities from the ground.

Ultimately, this teaching emphasizes that every aspect of a Muslim's life, including dress, should reflect obedience to Allah and avoidance of pride - the very quality that caused Iblis's downfall.