Wearing a suit

Q 1: Wearing suits is very common in Muslim countries. The suit is composed of a jacket and trousers, or may be just trousers and a shirt. Some may wear a shirt with long sleeves or short sleeves in summer due to the excessive heat. Is wearing this type of clothing considered imitation of non-Muslims in any way?

A: The general ruling regarding all types of clothes is permissibility because it is a custom. Allah (Exalted be He) says: Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "Who has forbidden the adornment with clothes given by Allâh, which He has produced for His slaves, and At-Taiyyibât [all kinds of Halâl (lawful) things] of food?" All things which are prohibited or disliked according to Shari`ah (Islamic law) are excluded from this ruling, such as wearing silk for men, transparent clothes which show the color of the skin, or tight garments that outline the body. They take the same ruling as exposing the body, which is not permissible. The same applies to clothes which are made specially for non-Muslims. It is not permissible for men or women to wear them because the Prophet (peace be upon him) prohibited imitating non-Muslims. Likewise, it is prohibited for men to wear the clothes of (Part No. 24; Page No. 39) women and vice-versa, because the Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade men and women imitating one another. The trousers and shirts are not only worn by non-Muslims, but it is a common custom worn by both Muslims and non-Muslims in many countries. In some countries, people dislike wearing such clothing because they are not familiar with them and since they wear different clothes, even if this is against the custom of Muslims. However, it is better for a Muslim living in a country that is not familiar with this attire not to wear it during Salah (Prayer), public gatherings, or on the street.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.