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#1 [Permalink] Posted on 1st April 2010 13:55

Taken from Abu Muhammad's Blog - Click here to visit blog page

Headgear (Topi) in Islam (Slightly edited)

As time takes us further away from the era of the Prophet (S.A.W) and his companions (R.A) (and the Khairul Quroon), we realise that the Sunnahs of the Prophet (S.A.W) are vanishing from the lives of the Ummah.

More worrying and dangerous is the fact Sunnahs are not only discarded but they are also questioned.

This is why I (named below) have taken this opportunity to write about one of the Sunnahs which is increasingly questioned (i.e. the Topi), to get the message across to those Muslims who have mistakenly fallen into this trap and to those who face questions of this sort from other people with such misunderstandings.

The main aim in this short article is to lay out the Shar'ee status of the Topi. Also to touch briefly on the topic of Salaah with out a Topi.

The Deen that is laid down by Allah and with which our Prophet (S.A.W) was sent to practically show the Ummah is complete and has no room for modification. Allah clearly spells this out in the following verse:

Also this Deen is there to remain complete and intact until the day of judgement as is the promise of Allah:

Topi in its literal sense.

Topi is an Urdu word the Arabic equivalent of which is Qalansuwah. Although many other words are used in the Hadith to define the word Topi but the most common one is Qalansuwah.

Topi in the lives of the Prophets (A.S).

Description of the Topi of Musa A.S has been mentioned in Tirmizi, a famous book of Hadith. The narration is as follows.

Abdullah Ibn Mas'ud (R.A) narrates the Nabi (S.A.W) said: "On the day when Musa (A.S) spoke to his lord, he had a woollen Kummah (a small, flat and round Topi").

Abdul Qasim Al-Baihaqi (R.A) has mentioned that, "the first person to adopt the Topi was Shith, the son of Adam A.S".

Topi in the life of our Prophet (S.A.W).

Many narrations have been reported with regards to the Topi of Rasullulah (S.A.W). below are 2 of the many availabe.

Ibn Umar (R.A) is reported to have said that "Rasullullah (S.A.W) used to wear a white Topi".

Similar narrations have been reported from at least five other Sahaaba.

Aishah (R.A) narrates that Nabi (S.A.W) would wear a Topi that had earflaps.
Imam Tibrani R.A mentions.

Ibn Umar (R.A) narrates that Rasullah (S.A.W) would wear a white Kummah (a small, flat and round Topi).

Topi in the lives of the Sahabah and Tabe'es (i.e. those believers who have seen the Sahaaba).

Zaid Ibn Jubair (R.A) says that he saw Abdullah Ibn Zubair (R.A) wearing a Topi. (In the narration the Arabic word "Butula" appears which refers to a specific type of Topi).

Easa Ibn Tahbaan says that he saw Anas Ibn Malik (R.A) wearing a Topi. (In the narration the word "Burnus" comes which means a long hat.)

In Bukhari too, the wearing of a Topi by Anas (R.A) is mentioned. (Vol.2 Page 863.)

The father of Ash'as reports that he saw Shuraih wearing a Topi.

Abu Shihaab says that he saw Sa'eed Ibn Jubair (R.A) wearing a Topi. (Both Shihaab and Ibn Jubair are Tabees.)

And the list goes on.

After such a vast number of narrations, one cannot or rather one is foolish to doubt the Topi being a practice of the Prophet (S.A.W), the Sahaaba (R.A) and our pious pre-dessessors.

As a matter of fact, it is only when western culture started entering the lives of the Muslims, the issue of the Topi came about. Thus, one can understand that initially it was not really a question of "Sunnah or not", but rather it was a question of fitting in to the western society. And this was hidden behind the arguments of "Sunnah or not".

Never the less, once we have understood the authentication of the Topi, it becomes the duty of every believer to hold firm on to this great Sunnah. We as believers claim to love Allah and claim to be wanting to be loved by Allah, to adopt every action and practice of Rasullulah (S.A.W). Says Allah:

Say (Oh Mohammed) if you love Allah then follow me, and Allah will love you.

Yes no doubt that the Ulama have divided the Sunnahs in to two, Sunan-E-Huda and Sunan-E-Zawaid. (For details, look in the relevant books.)

However, in this Ayah (following) is � (general) and not (confined) to certain Sunnahs only. Also one should realise that this division only took place long after the time of the Sahaaba. To this illustrious group, the mere fact that Rasullulah S.A.W did it, was sufficient impetus for them to go to any lengths to practice it. Likewise, it should be the attitude of any true believer.

The Topi in Salaah.

The following is a summary of a fatwa by Allaamah Muhammed Zaahid Kowthari R.A, a world-renowned Muhaddith and Faqih who held a prominent post in the Ottoman Khilaafah in Turkey and who later went on to emerge as one of the greatest scholars Egypt has ever seen.

Allaamah Kowthari (R.A) writes:

People often ask concerning the ruling of performing salaah bareheaded without an excuse. The question has come to the fore, due to the emergence of a group who seem to take delight in denying those actions, which are accepted by the Muslims and have passed down from generation to generation. They strive hard to cause discord in the Masjid and greatly resemble the Khawaarij (a deviant sect which emerged in the time of Ali R.A) in that they lay great stress on trivial matters while ignoring major issues.

The ruling concerning the Salaah of a person bareheaded without an excuse, is that it is valid if all the conditions and pre-requisites are met, however this is in direct conflict to what has remained the practice of all the Muslims throughout the ages.

It also entails emulation of the Christians in that they worship bareheaded, as is well known.

Allah Ta'ala has ordered the Muslims:

"Adopt clothing of beauty when performing Salaah."

Leaving the head uncovered is discarding this beauty.

Imam Baihaqi (R.A.) narrates that Nabi S.A.W said:

"When performing salaah, one should wear two items of clothing as the most deserving being for whom you should dress up, is Allah."

Imam Baihaqi (R.A) has also mentioned the following incident.

Nafi (R.A), the slave of Ibn Umar (R.A) says that Ibn Umar R.A saw him performing salaah wearing only one item of clothing. He rebuked him saying, "Have I not given you clothing?" "Yes, you have!" replied Nafi. "So who," asked Ibn Umar R.A "has more right that you dress up well for him? Allah Ta'ala or the people!"

It is on this basis, that the Fuqaha (jurists) say that it is Makrooh (reprehensible) to perform Salaah wearing such clothing in which one would not normally present oneself in front of those whom he holds in high esteem.

There exists no doubt in the fact that it has always remained the practice of the Muslims not to appear bareheaded in front of those whom they respect. In the very same way, Salaah performed bareheaded would be reprehensible in the light of Shari'aah.

Note: Sheikh Albani (a great Muhaddith and a Scholar) says:

"And my view is that, surly the performing of Salaah bareheaded is Makrooh. This is because everyone agrees on the fact that it is Mustahab for a Muslim to begin his Salaah with the most complete appearance due to the Hadeeth:

"Allah is most deserving to be beautified for."

May Allah S.W.T give us all the ability to cling to every Sunnah no matter where we are and how strong the wrong environments around us are and also may he give us the true understanding of Deen.

Aameen.
By (Molana) Zakaria Maljee
(Jamiah Madinatul-Uloom Emd'ee Stamford Hill)

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#2 [Permalink] Posted on 26th August 2016 03:30

ٱلسَّلَامُ عَلَيكُم وَ رَحمَةُٱللهِ وَ بَرَكَاتُه

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#3 [Permalink] Posted on 29th August 2016 15:54

People nowadays stopped using topi, they only use it when they pray salah and they only pray juma salah, and some don't even have any topi they use the one that is in Masjid,
and that's sad.

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#4 [Permalink] Posted on 30th August 2016 08:01

Some one asked
"salah is valid without topi"

Reply

"Conditions apply!! Salah is valid without any cloth"

Re-inventing the wheel!!!!

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#5 [Permalink] Posted on 3rd March 2025 16:50

Performing Salah bareheaded

I am a revert and have been one for a few years now and I am 22 years old

I follow the hanafi madhaab and do dawah often and im learning knowledge alhamdulilah but I want to know regarding the issue of wearing the topi and covering the head in salah

in the hanafi madhaab it says it is makruh tanzihi to pray bareheaded and it is not an obligation nor part of the conditions of salah being valid

I sometimes wear the topi but most of the time I dont it is not because I dislike the topi it is because all my life even when i was non muslim I wasnt really used to wearing headgear or hats as I prefer my hair showing

Is this considered to be contempt if I prefer praying without topi as due to me not being used to wearing headgear most of my life some people say it is imitating the christians who pray bareheaded

Also if I lead someone in salah ( which I have done sometimes) bare headed is this considered makruh tahrimi? I ask because some people here are very particular wearing topi but some dont keep a beard also some people frown on people who are bare headed and treat it as like an obligation what should i do?

Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

Respected brother,

Your reversion to Islam, dawah to others and seeking knowledge of Islam are all highly commendable acts. May Allah Ta’ala keep you steadfast on Islam and make you a pioneer of the great Sunnah of Rasulullah (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). Aameen.

As Muslims, we should try to follow the teachings of Rasulullah (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and emulate him in every aspect of our lives. Bringing complete Sunnah in our life will bring us benefit in this world and the hereafter. Allah Ta’ala states:

قُلْ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ اللَّهَ فَاتَّبِعُونِي يُحْبِبْكُمُ اللَّهُ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ

Translation: (Allah Ta’ala ordered Rasulullah (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) to announce), “If you love Allah then follow me, Allah will then love you and forgive your sins. Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful. [3:31]

The topi is great Sunnah of Rasulullah (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and an outstanding feature of Islam. Consider the following Hadeeth:

كان رسولُ الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يَلْبَسُ قَلَنْسُوَةً بيضاءَ

Translation: Rasulullah (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would wear a white topi.[1]

Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) mentions the statement of Hasan Basri (rahimahullah):

كان القوم يسجدون علي العمامة والقلنسوة

Translation: The Sahaba (radhiyAllahu ‘anhum) would perform sajdah (prostrate) on turbans and topis.[2]

When we see a person wearing a topi, regardless of which part of the world we are in, we identify him as a Muslim. It is thus necessary for us to hold fast to our Muslim identity and strive to distinguish ourselves from the disbelievers.

The Fuqahaa (jurists) have ruled that it is a reprehensible act (makrooh) to perform and lead others in Salaah bareheaded.[3]

Consider the following incident mentioned by ‘Allamah Muhammad Zaahid Kowthari (rahimahullah) concerning leaving the head exposed. [4]

When the Russians conquered the Baltic Muslim Sates in 1280 A.H., they forced the Muslims to expose their heads when entering the courts of their governors. Allah filled the heart of one of the ‘Ulama with Islamic-patriotism and self respect to such a degree that he refused to accept this coercion and abasement and therefore approached the Ruler and said to him: “You promised us that you will not interfere in our religious matters, yet you force us to enter the courts of the governors bareheaded, when in fact this is not allowed in Islam.”

The Ruler replied: “I will call a conference of your ‘Ulama to see whether their viewpoints on this matter conform to yours.” They were called, but did not lend him any support and were very shaky and indecisive, however, this ‘Alim was firm on his stand.

The Ruler then said to him: “Put your proofs down on paper; I will send them to the Grand Mufti of the Empire. If he conforms to your view, I will then issue a decree exempting the Muslims of your region from this law in spite of you standing alone on this matter. However, if he also opposes your view, then you will have to bear the consequences of being so obstinate.”

The ‘Alim agreed and wrote the following:

“The Muslims do not remove their topis when entering the masjids and when in salah in front of Allah. If they remove it when entering your courts, it will be as if they are honouring you more than Allah and this is completely impermissible.”

The Ruler then sent it to the Grand Mufti who concurred with this staunch ‘Alim, as a result of which all the Muslims of that state where excused from this compulsion.[5]

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best

Fahad Abdul Wahab

Student Darul Iftaa

USA

Checked and Approved by,

Mufti Ebrahim Desai

* All sources can be found in link islamqa.org/hanafi/askimam/80507/performing-salah-barehea...

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#6 [Permalink] Posted on 3rd March 2025 16:55

On praying bearheaded (without a Turban or Kufi)
central-mosque.com/index.php/Acts-of-Worship/praying-sala...

Shaikh Albaani (May Allaah's mercy be on him):
(From Al-Qawl Al-mubin fi akhta' Al-musallin by Mashhur Hussain on page # 58 of the 2nd edition):

"Praying bareheaded is makruh (disliked)."

It is not established at all that the Messenger (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) ever prayed outside the pilgrimage with bare head, without a turban/cap. Whoever thinks he did so then he should bring the proof. If he (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) had done so, it would have been recorded. The narration attributed to Ibn 'Abbaas that the Prophet (sallAllaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) would sometimes remove his cap and place it as a sutrah in front of him is weak (da'eef).

Shaikh Albaani (May Allaah's mercy be on him) (Al-Din al-khalis (3:214) and al-Ajwiba al-nafi'a 'an al-masa'il al-waqi'a (p. 110):

"All acknowledge that it is desirable for the Muslim to enter prayer in the most perfect Islaamic appearance, due to the hadeeth: "Allaah is worthier of your self- adornment" [hasan]. And it is not part of excellent attire in the custom of the Salaf to habitually bare one's head, and walk in that guise on the road and when entering places of worship. Rather, it is a foreign custom which infiltrated many Islaamic countries at the time the disbelievers invaded them and brought their habits with them. The Muslims began to imitate them in this, and they lost thereby their Islaamic personality as well as through other similar acts... Nor is it established that the Prophet ever prayed bareheaded and without a turban other than in the state of ihram, although there were plenty of occasions to report it if he did. Therefore, whoever claims that he did, let him produce the proof, for truth is more deserving to be followed."

Shaikh Albani (May Allaah's mercy be on him) goes on to explain the mistake of some brothers in Egypt who brought the proof of the permissibility to pray without covering the head by analogizing with how the head is uncovered for someone in ihraam during the pilgrimage.

This is wrong since not covering the head during the pilgrimage is from the law (Sharee'ah) of Allaah. If their analogy was right then they should make it compulsory to pray without any head covering at all since it is obligatory to do so during the pilgrimage and to follow all the other restrictions of Ihraam in regular life! [Tamaam-ul-Minnah fee ta'leeq 'alaa fiqh-us- Sunnah by 'Allaamah Albaani]

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#7 [Permalink] Posted on 3rd March 2025 17:22

Unfortunately, you now see many without topis and half sleeve in deobandi masjids aswell. The spare topi boxes have disappeared. Do you guys still have the topi box in your masjid?

Bring back admonishment.

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#8 [Permalink] Posted on 3rd March 2025 22:07

Rajab wrote:

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This is why I purposely added Shaykh Albani's teachings too because our poor lot think they know it all by following the new evidence!

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#9 [Permalink] Posted on 4th March 2025 07:12

Rajab wrote:

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After many muftis objected to keeping spare topis, many masajids have withdrawn this service.

Muftis says these topis are not properly maintained, these topis are dirty, torn etc. Also they claim whether these topis are worn outside masjid?

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#10 [Permalink] Posted on 4th March 2025 09:30

akbar703 wrote:

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No one is interested, the muslim world is in a crisis n you're talking about topis.

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#11 [Permalink] Posted on 4th March 2025 09:39

Saracen1 wrote:

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This sort of attitude is what gets us into such crisis!

"The Muslim world is in crisis and all you're talking about is miswak"
"The Muslims world is in crisis and all you're talking about is Istinja"
"The Muslim world is in crisis and all you're talking about is Sunnah"
"The Muslim world is in crisis and all you're talking about are boycotts"

This is how Shaitan deludes us by not taking us away from the Deen, rather, takes away small actions and make us feel like we are still warriors and great Muslims.

The topi is a symbol of our faith too. But today, we'd rather wear Gucci caps and show our wealth instead of faith

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#12 [Permalink] Posted on 4th March 2025 10:27

Saracen1 wrote:

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Muslim world is in crisis and we are talking about clean water, hygienic food, good transport etc.

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#13 [Permalink] Posted on 4th March 2025 10:38

akbar703 wrote:

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Wearing topis does not feature highly in the West, maybe in India.

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#14 [Permalink] Posted on 4th March 2025 12:46

Saracen1 wrote:

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That is secondary, today there are brothers who like to dress the islamic way, they need guidance. OP is helping them.
Topi was removed when ummah was in crises. Till then topi was part of islamic dress for 1000 years. Take any image of islamic gathering, topi was worn by masses. Even the scientists cover their head with turbans.

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#15 [Permalink] Posted on 4th March 2025 13:37

Saracen1 wrote:

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I disagree. Even the ghair muqallids are now donning the cap!

The cap/topi is making a comeback after the ghair muqallids found the old evidence :)

There was a time when I witnessed myself, a ghair muqallid brother would take his skull cap off and place it in front of him before salah because he read it in a hadith and took it out of context and meaning.

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Topi = Qalansuwwah

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