in the usual manner. But if he wraps it around his chest like an upper garment, there is nothing wrong with that.

The sarāwīl (trousers) also include the tubbān, which refers to short trousers—that is, they reach only halfway down the thigh—because they are in fact trousers, though with short legs, and because they are customarily worn as trousers are worn.

Thus, we include under these five items whatever resembles them; as for anything else, we do not include it.

For example, if a man ties his upper garment across his chest, this is not prohibited, because even when tied, it does not cease to be an upper garment. If he fastens it with a clasp, does this count as wearing it?

The answer: It does not count as wearing it; rather, it is an upper garment fastened with a clasp. However, some people have gone to excess in this matter, such that a man fastens his upper garment from his neck down to his private area, leaving it like a shirt without sleeves. This is not appropriate.

But if he fastens it with a single button so that it will not fall off—especially when there is a need, such as when he is personally attending to work for his companions—then there is nothing wrong with that.

Issue: If a person wears a watch on his wrist, is it included among the five items mentioned by the Messenger of Allah, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him?

The answer: It is not included. It most closely resembles a ring, and wearing a ring is permissible without any problem.