by two graves, where the occupants were being punished. He said: “One of them did not take precautions against urine.” (1) In another narration: “He did not cleanse himself from it.” This evidence, however, is open to some examination and discussion.
- Allah the Exalted says: “And purify My House for those who circumambulate it, stand in prayer, bow, and prostrate.” [al-Hajj: 26] They argue: if Allah the Exalted commanded that the place—which is separate from the worshipper—be purified, then it is even more fitting that the clothing directly attached to him be commanded to be purified.
The third condition is that it be permissible; that is, not prohibited. What is prohibited falls into three categories: that which is prohibited in itself, that which is prohibited due to an attribute, and that which is prohibited due to the manner in which it was acquired.
As for that which is prohibited in itself, such as silk for a man: it is forbidden for men. Thus, if a man prays in a silk garment, his prayer is invalid according to this condition, because he covered his private parts with a garment that he is not permitted to wear. Whoever performs a deed that is not in accordance with the command of Allah and His Messenger, it is rejected.
As for that which is prohibited due to an attribute, such as a garment worn below the ankles: a man may be wearing a permissible cotton garment, but he lets it hang below his ankles. We say that this is prohibited due to its attribute; therefore, prayer in it is not valid, because it is not permitted, and he is sinful by wearing it. Its legal effect is therefore invalidated, and whoever performs a deed that is not in accordance with our command, it is rejected.
As for that which is prohibited due to the manner in which it was acquired, it is a garment that has been unlawfully seized or stolen. For example, a man steals another person's garment and prays in it. We say: the prayer here is invalid, because you covered your private parts with a garment forbidden to you, so your prayer is not valid