Fatwa by: Shaykh Muhammad bin Salih al-Uthaymeen (حفظه الله)
Question:
A woman wears such clothing for performing Salah that is known as men’s attire. Is her Salah valid in such clothing? Does this fall under the category of resembling men?
Answer:
Such clothing, which is recognized as men’s attire, is prohibited for a woman to wear in all circumstances, whether during Salah or in general. This is because the Prophet (ﷺ) cursed men and women who imitate each other. Therefore, it is not permissible for any woman to wear clothing that is specifically for men, nor is it permissible for men to wear clothing specifically for women.
However, it is necessary to understand what is meant by specificity. Specificity is not determined merely by color; rather, it refers to a combination of both color and style. Therefore, it is permissible for a woman to wear white clothing, provided its cut and style are not like men’s clothing.
Once it has been established that wearing clothing specific to men is prohibited for women, some scholars hold the view that a woman’s Salah in such clothing is invalid. These scholars stipulate that the covering garment must also be lawful. According to them, it is a condition for Salah that the covering garment (sāṭir) be of a type that Allah (ﷻ) has permitted. If Allah has not permitted it, then it is not considered a legitimate covering according to Islamic law.
On the other hand, some scholars are of the view that even if the clothing is sinful, the Salah is valid. Their reasoning is that the requirement for covering (satr) is fulfilled regardless of whether the garment itself is lawful or not. Thus, they argue, the act of sin is separate and does not directly affect the validity of Salah.
In any case, the one who performs Salah while wearing prohibited clothing is in danger that their Salah may be rejected and deprived of the honor of acceptance by Allah.
May Allah grant us the ability to adhere to His commandments and protect us from resembling those whom we are not meant to resemble. آمين
