not among those who do so out of arrogance.”

This is an authentic and explicit text on the matter: the purpose of the prohibition is pride, not the mere extent to which the waist-wrap hangs—whether much or little—for had that been intended, the wording would have been restricted to it.

Imam al-Nawawi said in his commentary on Sahih Muslim: “As for his words, ‘the one who lets his waist-wrap hang down,’ they mean the person who loosens it, dragging its edge out of arrogance, as is clarified by another hadith.”

This qualification—dragging it out of arrogance—specifies the general statement “whoever lets his garment trail,” and demonstrates that the warning applies only to the one who drags it out of pride. For this reason the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, excused Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) saying, “You are not among them,” because his doing so was unintentional and free of arrogance.

Imam Ibn Jarir said: The Prophet mentioned isbal only with respect to the waist-wrap because it was their common dress; whatever is said about it also applies to other garments such as the tunic.

Al-Nawawi further noted: This has been expressly stated by the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him: “Isbal applies to the waist-wrap, the tunic, and the turban; whoever drags any of them out of arrogance, Allah will not look at him on the Day of Resurrection.” Reported by Abu Dawud (4094), al-Nasa’i (5334), and Ibn Majah (3576) with a sound chain. Allah knows best.

The stronger juristic position, therefore, is that adopted by those who read the unqualified texts in light of the qualified ones. Allah is the granter of success and the guide to the straight path.