Referenced from: Fatawa ‘Ulama-e-Hadith, Kitab al-Salah, Vol. 1, p. 197❖ Question
I own a shirt, trousers, and a coat, but due to heat, I often lead Salah wearing only a lower garment (pajama) and a scarf. This exposes part of my stomach and the area below my navel (about two to four fingers). Is the prayer valid in such a state?❖ Answer
Observing ‘awrah (the minimum required covering) in Salah is obligatory. If the required parts of the body are properly covered, then the prayer is valid.❖ Minimum Requirement
In Salah, for men, the area from the navel to the knees must be covered. If this is ensured, the prayer is valid.❖ Preferred Practice
While the prayer may be valid in minimal clothing, it is preferable and more respectful to wear full clothing such as a shirt and trousers during Salah. This was the consistent practice of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ—to offer prayer while fully dressed.Wallahu A‘lam — And Allah knows best.
(Dated: December 20, 1937 – Fatawa Sanaiyyah, Vol. 1, p. 333)
