Written by: Qari Usama bin Abdul-Salam
The issue of wearing black clothes—especially what is called Fatimi dress—in the days of Muharram has both fiqhi (jurisprudential) and ‘aqaidi (creedal) aspects. This is not merely a clothing matter, but one connected to intention, innovation (bid‘ah), and sectarian symbols.
If a person wears black clothes in Muharram with the intention that it is for mourning or grief over Imam Husayn (RA), this is considered a bid‘ah—a newly invented practice not from the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ or the Sahabah.
Evidence:
مَنْ أَحْدَثَ فِي أَمْرِنَا هَذَا مَا لَيْسَ مِنْهُ فَهُوَ رَدٌّ
(Sahih al-Bukhari: 2697, Sahih Muslim: 1718)
"Whoever introduces into our matter (religion) that which is not from it, it is rejected."
Wearing black clothing in Muharram has become a distinct symbol of Shi‘i mourning rituals. The Ahl al-Sunnah refrain from imitating the wrongful religious practices of any sect.
Evidence:
مَنْ تَشَبَّهَ بِقَوْمٍ فَهُوَ مِنْهُمْ
(Sunan Abi Dawud: 4031 – Sahih chain)
"Whoever imitates a people is from among them."
If black clothing is worn without any intention of mourning or Shi‘i rituals—only for fashion, climate, or ordinary use—then it is permissible, provided that:
Instead of adopting innovated practices, Muslims should:
Wearing "Fatimi Dress" or Special Black Clothes in Muharram
The issue of wearing black clothes—especially what is called Fatimi dress—in the days of Muharram has both fiqhi (jurisprudential) and ‘aqaidi (creedal) aspects. This is not merely a clothing matter, but one connected to intention, innovation (bid‘ah), and sectarian symbols.
1. Black Clothing as Mourning or Grief
If a person wears black clothes in Muharram with the intention that it is for mourning or grief over Imam Husayn (RA), this is considered a bid‘ah—a newly invented practice not from the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ or the Sahabah.
Evidence:مَنْ أَحْدَثَ فِي أَمْرِنَا هَذَا مَا لَيْسَ مِنْهُ فَهُوَ رَدٌّ
(Sahih al-Bukhari: 2697, Sahih Muslim: 1718)
"Whoever introduces into our matter (religion) that which is not from it, it is rejected."
2. Resembling Shi‘i Rituals (Tashabbuh bil-Rawafid)
Wearing black clothing in Muharram has become a distinct symbol of Shi‘i mourning rituals. The Ahl al-Sunnah refrain from imitating the wrongful religious practices of any sect.
Evidence:مَنْ تَشَبَّهَ بِقَوْمٍ فَهُوَ مِنْهُمْ
(Sunan Abi Dawud: 4031 – Sahih chain)
"Whoever imitates a people is from among them."
3. Wearing Black Without Mourning Intention
If black clothing is worn without any intention of mourning or Shi‘i rituals—only for fashion, climate, or ordinary use—then it is permissible, provided that:
- The intention is not for azadari/mourning.
- The clothing is also worn in other months and occasions.
- It does not become a sectarian symbol.
Practice of the Salaf and Sahabah
- The Prophet ﷺ and the Sahabah (RA) never wore special mourning clothes in Muharram.
- Neither Hasan (RA) nor Husayn (RA) nor any of the Ahl al-Bayt ever observed annual mourning or wore black for grief.
- Feeling grief over martyrdom is natural, but turning it into an annual ritual with specific clothing is not from Islam.
Ruling Summary
| Intention/Purpose | Ruling |
|---|---|
| Mourning/Azadari over Husayn (RA) |  Bid‘ah & Impermissible |
| Symbol of Shi‘i rituals | Haram (Tashabbuh) |
| Ordinary wear without bid‘ah intention |  Permissible (Better to avoid in Muharram) |
Correct Approach in Muharram
Instead of adopting innovated practices, Muslims should:
- Revive the Sunnah of fasting on ‘Ashura (9th & 10th Muharram).
- Engage in du‘a, patience, and righteous deeds.
- Remember all martyrs of Islam equally, without sectarian or innovated mourning.
