‘Umar said the Prophet forbade wearing silk except to this extent, which was indicated by God's messenger raising his middle and forefinger and joining them. (Bukhari and Muslim.)A version by Muslim tells that in an address given by him at al-Jabiya (a town to the east of the Sea of Galilee, north of the Yarmuk battlefield. ‘Umar went there before the fall of Jerusalem.) he said God’s messenger forbade wearing silk except to the extent of two, three, or four fingers.
Exegesis of the Prohibition of Silk
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. This noble hadith from the Book of Clothing in Mishkat al-Masabih (4323, 4324) contains profound wisdom regarding the Islamic rulings on men's attire. The prohibition of silk for men is established through multiple authentic narrations, yet Allah in His mercy provides specific exemptions.
The Measurement of Exemption
The Prophet's demonstration with his fingers indicates a quantitative limitation rather than complete prohibition. Scholars have differed on the exact measurement, with some interpreting it as two fingers' width, others as three or four. This variation demonstrates the flexibility within Islamic law when dealing with practical necessities.
The preferred opinion among the Hanafi and Shafi'i schools is that this exemption applies to decorative trimmings or patches, not continuous silk garments. This maintains the spirit of the prohibition while allowing for reasonable accommodation in clothing design.
Wisdom Behind the Prohibition
The prohibition serves multiple purposes: it distinguishes Muslim men in their appearance, prevents imitation of non-Muslim practices, and discourages extravagance and pride. Silk's luxurious nature may lead to arrogance, which contradicts the Islamic values of humility and moderation.
Women are exempt from this prohibition, as their adornment is permitted within the bounds of modesty. This gender distinction reflects the complementary roles and different rulings that apply to men and women in Islamic jurisprudence.
Historical Context and Application
'Umar's narration at al-Jabiya during a military campaign emphasizes that these rulings apply in all circumstances, even during travel and warfare. This demonstrates the comprehensive nature of Islamic teachings, covering all aspects of life.
Contemporary scholars have extended this principle to modern clothing materials that resemble silk in luxury and extravagance, applying the same ruling to maintain the spirit of the prohibition while addressing new circumstances.