dress. This applies where appropriate: for example, if a person intends to visit poor people and fears that, if he comes wearing splendid clothing, their hearts may be distressed, then it is better for him to wear what suits the circumstances, and he will be rewarded for doing so.

It says in al-Rawḍ: “The best of them is white; he wears a turban and a cloak.” That is, the best clothing is white. There is no doubt that white is the best clothing for men, but at times a person may not find white suitable for the season. For instance, during winter, it is rare to find white garments suited to the weather. In such a case, we say: be considerate of yourself; you may wear several garments, with the outermost one being white.

His statement, “he wears a turban,” means that he wears a turban.

A turban is that which is wrapped and wound around the head.

The evidence is the practice of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, who wore a turban and wiped over it (1). But was his wearing it an act of worship, or did he wear it because it was customary?

The answer is that the latter is correct. Following customary dress is the sunnah, so long as it is not unlawful, for we know that the Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, wore only what people wore. If a person were to depart from what people wear, his clothing would become clothing of ostentation.

His statement, “and he wears a cloak,” means that he wears an upper wrap. The apparent meaning of the author’s words is that he should do so even if he is wearing a shirt, but this is open to question.

However, in our land the substitute for an upper wrap is the mishlaḥ, and most people today do not