`Umar saw a silken cloak over a man for sale and requested the Prophet (ﷺ) to buy it in order to wear it on Fridays and while meeting delegates. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "This is worn by the one who will have no share in the Hereafter." Later on Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) got some silken cloaks similar to that one, and he sent one to `Umar. `Umar said to the Prophet (ﷺ) "How can I wear it, while you said about it what you said?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "I have not given it to you to wear, but to sell or to give to someone else." So, `Umar sent it to his brother at Mecca before he embraced Islam.
Context and Initial Prohibition
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 2619 reveals the wisdom behind the prohibition of silk for men. When `Umar saw the silken cloak, he desired it for occasions of honor, but the Prophet (ﷺ) immediately clarified its spiritual danger, stating it's for those with no share in the Hereafter, emphasizing the gravity of men wearing silk.
Divine Wisdom in Gradual Legislation
The Prophet's subsequent acquisition and gifting of similar cloaks demonstrates the wisdom of gradual legislation. The initial absolute prohibition served to establish the principle firmly in the companions' hearts before introducing exceptions.
When `Umar expressed his confusion, the Prophet (ﷺ) clarified that the prohibition applies specifically to wearing silk, not to ownership or trade. This distinction preserves the spiritual principle while allowing practical benefits.
Scholarly Commentary on Permissible Uses
Classical scholars explain that silk is prohibited for Muslim men to wear but permissible to sell, gift, or use for other purposes. `Umar's sending the cloak to his non-Muslim brother demonstrates the permissibility of gifting silk to non-Muslims.
This hadith establishes important legal principles: the prohibition is specific to wearing, not ownership; the wisdom behind gradual implementation of rulings; and the importance of understanding the precise scope of religious prohibitions.
Spiritual Lessons and Contemporary Application
The narration teaches avoidance of luxury that may harden the heart or create arrogance. The Prophet's method shows the importance of both establishing principles and providing practical guidance.
Modern scholars apply this by permitting medical uses of silk, decorative purposes, and trade, while maintaining the prohibition of wearing pure silk garments for men, following the precise boundaries set by the Prophet (ﷺ).