Source: Fatāwā Muḥammadīyah, Vol. 1, p. 374
Question:
Nowadays many worshippers remove their turban, cap, or scarf and pray bareheaded, even considering it a Sunnah. What is the ruling on this practice?
Answer:
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd:
① Covering the ʿAwrah
- Covering the private parts (ʿawrah) is obligatory in prayer.
- If they remain exposed, the prayer is invalid.
- The Prophet ﷺ said:
«إِحْفَظْ عَوْرَتَكَ إِلَّا مِنْ زَوْجَتِكَ أَوْ مَا مَلَكَتْ يَمِينُكَ»
(Fatāwā Ahl al-Ḥadīth, 2/76)
Translation: “Guard your private parts except from your wife or what your right hand possesses.”
- Scholars agree that covering the ʿawrah is obligatory at all times, except in cases of necessity such as relieving oneself or marital intimacy. (Nayl al-Awṭār, 2/68)
Thus, exposing the ʿawrah invalidates prayer, but the head is not part of the ʿawrah by consensus.
② Bareheaded Prayer
- Since the head is not included in the ʿawrah, praying bareheaded is valid.
- Just as prayer is valid with one’s legs, stomach, or back uncovered, similarly it is valid without a head covering.
③ Evidence Cited by Some Scholars
Some cite the aḥādīth about the Prophet ﷺ and companions praying in a single garment to argue that the head was uncovered.
For example:
The Prophet ﷺ prayed in a single garment, placing one end over his shoulder.
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, 1/52)
This narration is also reported from many companions.
④ Clarification of This Evidence
- A single garment could still cover the head if wrapped properly.
- The reports actually reflect poverty and shortage of clothing in that era.
The Prophet ﷺ asked:
“Does every one of you own two garments?” (Bukhārī, 1/52)
Sahl ibn Saʿd رضي الله عنه said:
“I saw men praying behind the Prophet ﷺ with their garments tied around their necks due to lack of clothing.”
(ʿAwn al-Maʿbūd, 1/241)
Imām ʿUbaydullāh al-Mubārakpūrī رحمه الله explained:
“At times the Prophet ﷺ and his companions prayed in one garment due to lack of another; at other times, even with another garment available, to show permissibility.”
(Mirʿāt al-Mafātīḥ, 1/505)
⑤ Conclusion
- Praying bareheaded is permissible and the prayer is valid.
- However, it cannot be considered a Sunnah, nor a recommended practice, but simply a matter of allowance.
هٰذا ما عندي، والله أعلم بالصواب
