Legal Status of Topi (Head-Gear) in Shariah
In **Salah (Islamic prayer) **, covering the head is a topic that varies based on **gender, school of thought (madhhab), and cultural practices**. Here's a detailed breakdown:
### **1. For Men: **
- **Hanafi, Maliki, and Hanbali Schools: ** Covering the head is considered **mustahabb (recommended)** but not obligatory. Many scholars encourage it as part of the Sunnah, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), who often prayed with his head covered.
- **Shafi'i School: ** Some Shafi'i scholars consider it **sunnah (recommended)**, while others say it is merely **permissible** but not emphasized.
- **General Ruling: ** If a man prays without a head covering, his prayer is still **valid**, but covering the head is seen as more respectful and in line with the Prophet’s practice.
### **2. For Women: **
- **All Schools: ** Covering the head (wearing the **hijab**) is **obligatory (wajib)** during Salah. If a woman prays without covering her hair, her prayer is **invalid** according to the majority of scholars.
- **Exception: ** If a woman is in a situation where covering is impossible (e.g., sudden prayer in an emergency), she should still pray but must cover her head as soon as possible.
### **3. Evidence & Hadith: **
- The Prophet (ﷺ) was often seen praying with his head covered, such as with a **turban (imamah)** or a **cap (kufi)**.
- Some narrations mention that he (ﷺ) once prayed bareheaded, indicating that it is **not obligatory** for men.
- For women, the Quran (24:31) and Hadith clearly mandate covering in prayer.
### **4. Cultural Practices: **
- In many Muslim cultures, men cover their heads (with a **kufi, turban, or scarf**) as a sign of humility and respect in Salah.
- Women must ensure their **hair, neck, and ears** are covered, except for the face and hands.
### **Conclusion: **
- **Men: ** Recommended but not obligatory; prayer is valid either way.
- **Women: ** Obligatory; prayer is invalid if the head is uncovered.
Here are the proofs from Islamic sources that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions wore the **hat (topi, qalansuwa)**:
### **1. Hadith Evidence from Sunni Sources**
- **Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Wore a White Hat**:
Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Umar (RA) narrated: *"The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to wear a white hat."* (Recorded by Tabrani) .
- **Companions Prostrated on Their Hats**:
Hasan al-Basri (RA) said: *"The people (Sahaba) used to perform Sajdah (prostration) upon their turbans and hats."* (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1/151).
- **Distinction from Polytheists**:
Rukanah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said: *"The difference between us and the polytheists is wearing the turban over the hat."*
(Sunan Abu Dawud 4075, Sunan Tirmidhi 3919).
- **Other Companions Who Wore Hats**:
The wearing of a hat is reported from Ali ibn al-Husain, Abdullah ibn Zubair, Dahhak, and Abu Musa (RA) in *Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah*.
### **2. Scholarly Opinions**
- **Mulla Ali al-Qari (Hanafi Scholar) **:
Stated that wearing the hat has become one of the **salient symbols of Islam**
(*Mirqat al-Masabih, 8/246*) .
- **Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam (Darul Iftaa, UK) **:
Confirmed that while not wearing a hat is not *haram*, it is **undesirable to keep the head exposed** because covering the head is a Sunnah and a sign of Islamic identity.
### **3. Description of the Prophet’s Clothing**
- **Ibn Al-Qayyim’s Summary**:
The Prophet (PBUH) wore a **Qalansuwa (cap) under his turban** and sometimes wore the cap alone (*Zad al-Ma'ad*) .
- **Black Turban with Hanging Ends**:
Amr ibn Hurayth (RA) saw the Prophet (PBUH) wearing a **black turban with its ends hanging behind** (Sahih Muslim) .
### **Conclusion**
The **qalansuwa (hat/topi)** is a **Sunnah** of the Prophet (PBUH) and his companions, supported by multiple hadiths and scholarly traditions. While turbans are highly emphasized, wearing a simple cap is also a virtuous practice in Islam.
