"When Allah’s Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace) donned a new garment, he would call it by its name, then he would say: 'O Allah praise be to You, as You have clothed me with it! I beg You for its goodness and the goodness of what it has been made for, and I take refuge with You from its evil and the evil of what it has been made for!’”
The Dressing Of Rasoolullah
Ash-Shama'il Al-Muhammadiyah 61, 62
Hadith Text
"When Allah's Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace) donned a new garment, he would call it by its name, then he would say: 'O Allah praise be to You, as You have clothed me with it! I beg You for its goodness and the goodness of what it has been made for, and I take refuge with You from its evil and the evil of what it has been made for!'"
Commentary on the Naming of Garments
The Prophet's practice of naming the garment demonstrates recognition of Allah's blessings and establishes proper relationship with created things. By identifying the garment as "qamees" (shirt), "rida'" (upper garment), or "izar" (lower garment), he acknowledged its specific nature and purpose, avoiding vague or generic terms that might diminish gratitude.
Theological Significance of the Supplication
This du'a contains profound theological wisdom. The initial praise ("Alhamdulillah") recognizes clothing as divine provision, not mere coincidence. Seeking "its goodness" refers to both material benefits (protection, modesty) and spiritual benefits (remembrance of Allah). The refuge from "its evil" acknowledges that even permissible things can become sources of sin through vanity or extravagance.
Practical Spirituality in Daily Life
This teaching transforms mundane acts into worship. The Prophet elevated dressing from routine physical act to spiritual exercise, infusing daily life with God-consciousness (taqwa). Scholars note this exemplifies Islam's comprehensive guidance, where even clothing becomes means of drawing closer to Allah and protecting oneself from spiritual harm.
Legal and Ethical Dimensions
Jurists derive from this hadith the recommended (mustahabb) nature of this supplication when wearing new clothes. The phrase "what it has been made for" encompasses both the garment's intended purpose and potential misuses. This teaches balance in material possessions - utilizing blessings while remaining vigilant against their potential to distract from spiritual priorities.