Islamic Guidelines for White and Saffron Clothing
A significant aspect of life for Muslims involves cleanliness, dignity, modesty and etiquette of dress. In this connection, there are a number of directives from the Sunnah concerning white clothing and other colored, dyed apparel.
The Superiority of White Clothing
On several accounts, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) expressed his love for the colour white. Under this statement, the following narration from Ibn Abbas (RA):
” Wear white garments, for it is among your best attires and shroud your deceased in it. “
(Related by al-Tirmidhi.)
This Hadith is evident proof of the excellence of white clothes. They lend a serene and immaculate impression. It is thus in keeping with Islamic decorum to don them. This narration, however, does not preclude the wearing of any other color, as this is primarily evidence of the additional excellence white holds over them.
Purity in Garments
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was often to be heard remarking on how pure and clean were white clothes. Samurah ibn Jundub (RA) recounted:
” Wear white clothes, for they are most pure and best, and shroud your dead in them. “
(Related by al-Tirmidhi.)
This Hadith emphasizes that cleanliness and neatness in one’s clothes are most essential. White wear is useful in being noticeable of any dirt or stains; it therefore enables a person to keep his attire clean and presentable. The general principle is to take care not to wear clothing as a means of pride and showiness.
Saffron-Colored Clothes
The Sunnah additionally provides guidance regarding saffron-colored or dyed attire. Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al ‘As (RA) reported :
” I saw the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) wearing two dyed saffron pieces of cloth and He said : ‘These are the clothes of the disbelievers, therefore do not wear them. “
(Related by Muslim.)
This narration serves as a fundamental guideline on this subject. There is another related narrative where Abdullah ibn Amr (RA) saw wearing two saffron pieces of cloth, upon which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) ordered to wash them until the saffron color is removed. If they refused to wash them, then he told Abdullah to put them off; upon this, the Prophet ordered to wash them and to change their color.
What do we learn from the Sunnah concerning clothing?
- We must wear white clothes: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) praised this color for being the best for many occasions.
- Clothing should be clean: Muslims are required to maintain an impeccable state for their garments to represent dignity and purity.
- Clothing must be appropriate: A Muslim must be conscious of wear that is either improper in itself or identified with those who bear ill repute, such as the kuffaar.
- Do not be prideful in your clothing: Beautiful, clean attire is permissible. However, a person is warned against taking pride in one’s clothes and wearing them as an indication of superiority.
- Study the Sunnah with care: Take care to learn the details of this narration and other similar narrations, in addition to all other rulings on clothing. The Hadith quoted above is a clear proof, for instance, of this directive regarding what may not be worn by Muslims.
In Conclusion
The Sunnah, through detailed Hadith, lays a clear framework for Muslims on how they must choose and use their apparel. While we enjoy the vast options available for us to present ourselves with good appearance and tastefulness, we must also remember that Islam requires us to apply a standard when we choose the clothing we adorn. White attire have a special place and are highly recommended for Muslims according to the directives of Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).
Similarly, we have also established the directive on wearing saffron colored clothing as being un-Islamic.
Therefore, we will present ourselves before Allah with clean and suitable attire as He alone knows best!
This is only for Islamic knowledge informations not for hurting others.