Is it necessary for Muslim males to wear cloths that which show up the skin above the ankles?
The question of whether Muslim males should wear clothing that shows skin above the ankles is addressed in the hadith literature rather than directly in the Qur'an. According to a narration from Sunan Abu Dawud, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated that A Muslim's lower garment may reach halfway up the calf; there is no blame or sin concerning what lies between the two ankles. Anything lower than the ankles is in the Fire
Sunan Abu Dawud 34:74. This indicates that it is permissible for men to wear clothing that shows skin above the ankles, as long as the garment does not fall below the ankles in an arrogant manner.
Additionally, in another narration from Sunan an-Nasa'i, the Prophet ﷺ mentioned, If he does not have an Izar (lower garment), he should wear trousers; and if he does not have sandals, he should wear leather socks and cut them below the ankles
Sunan an-Nasa'i 24:61. This reinforces the view that trousers are acceptable, as long as they do not extend below the ankles.
The consensus among scholars is that while it is encouraged for men to ensure their garments do not trail below the ankles out of arrogance, they are permitted to wear clothing that shows skin above the ankles. However, the best practice is to avoid letting garments fall below the ankles to adhere to the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ regarding modesty and humility in dress.
Sources
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Sunan Abu Dawud 34:74
Sunan Abu Dawud · Book 34, Hadith 74 · Narrated by Abu Sa'id al-Khudri
I asked Abu Sa'id about the lower garment. He said, "It slips below the ankles." The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, "A Muslim's lower garment may reach halfway up the calf; there is no blame or sin concerning what lies between the two ankles. Anything lower than the ankles is in the Fire. Whoever lets his lower garment trail loose out of arrogance, Allah will not look at him."
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Sunan an-Nasa'i 24:61
Sunan an-Nasa'i · Book 24, Hadith 61 · Narrated by Ibn Abbas
I heard the Messenger of Allah say, "If he does not have an Izar (lower garment), he should wear trousers; and if he does not have sandals, he should wear leather socks and cut them below the ankles."
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