his circumstances. If, during the prayer, a garment is brought to him, then putting it on is obligatory in this case.

We do not say, “Invalidate your prayer and put on the garment,” because the part of the prayer already performed was legally permitted and cannot be invalidated. Rather, he continues building upon it. This is why, when Gabriel informed the Prophet ﷺ that there was filth on his sandals, he removed them and continued praying. (1) The same applies here: putting on this garment is obligatory, because the obligation—namely, covering the private parts—cannot be fulfilled without it.

But if the validity of the prayer does not depend on putting it on, then the author says, “He may do so.” But should he do this, or should we say, “Do not do it unless there is a need”?

The answer is: We say, “Do not do it unless there is a need.” One such need is when a person becomes cold during his prayer after having begun it, while the garment is nearby. He may then take it and put it on, for this is a need. Indeed, it may even be prescribed for him to put it on if wearing the garment will enable him to attain composure and comfort in his prayer.

His statement, “and wrapping the turban,” means that he may rewrap his turban if it comes undone, and there is no blame upon him. But is this merely permissible?

The answer is: If its coming undone distracts him, then rewrapping it is prescribed, because it removes what is distracting him. But if it does not distract him, then the matter is permissible, not prescribed.