Ruling on Wudu (Ablution) When Garment Hangs Below the Ankles
Question:
If someone’s trouser or lower garment hangs below the ankles, does it invalidate wudū (ablution)? Kindly provide evidence.
Answer by:
Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakeel Nāṣir ḥafiẓahullāh
Research Scholar Asadullah Bhumbhoy ḥafiẓahullāh
Evidence from Hadith:
Narrated by Abū Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه):
“A man was praying with his lower garment (izār) hanging below his ankles. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said to him: ‘Go and perform wudū again.’
He went and performed ablution, returned, and the Prophet ﷺ again said: ‘Go and perform wudū again.’
This happened three times.
Another man asked, ‘O Messenger of Allah, why did you instruct him to perform wudū but then stayed silent?’
The Prophet ﷺ replied:
‘He was offering prayer while his garment was hanging below the ankles. Indeed, Allah does not accept the prayer of a man whose izār is below his ankles.’”
(Sunan Abī Dāwūd: 638)
Explanation:
❖ Some scholars’ view:
Based on this narration, some scholars opine that wearing a garment below the ankles breaks the wudū.
❖ Correct view of the majority:
Most scholars state that this action does not invalidate wudū.
It is considered a major sin, and may affect the acceptance of prayer, but it does not nullify ablution.
Authenticity of the ḥadīth:
✔ According to Shaykh al-Albānī and many other scholars, this ḥadīth is weak (ḍaʿīf).
✔ Even if considered authentic, the Prophet ﷺ’s command to repeat wudū was likely for admonition (tahdīd), not because the wudū was nullified.
✔ The majority of scholars do not consider lowering the garment below the ankles as one of the nullifiers of wudū.
Summary:
✿ Wearing clothes below the ankles does not invalidate wudū.
✿ It is, however, a major sin and may affect the acceptance of prayer.
✿ One should avoid such practices out of piety and obedience to the Sunnah.
وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَاب
