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Thursday, November 10, 2011

THE QALANSUWA (HAT/TOPI) IS A SUNNAH

 

 

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.

 

COVERING THE HEAD IN PRAYER

 

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