As for expressing gratitude by giving away some of one’s wealth, such as clothing or something else, in thanks to Allah for His blessings—whether repentance, setting matters right, or the like—this is good and prescribed. When the bearer of good news came to Ka'b ibn Mālik to tell him that Allah had accepted his repentance, he gave him the garment he was wearing and borrowed another garment in which to go to the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace.

However, singling out clothing or anything else as a prescribed expression of gratitude is also an innovation. If someone does this occasionally, it is good. Nothing should be made obligatory or recommended unless Allah and His Messenger have made it obligatory or recommended, and nothing should be condemned except what Allah and His Messenger disapprove of. No religious practice is legitimate except what Allah has prescribed, and nothing is forbidden except what Allah has forbidden.

Beating a man on the soles of his feet is a form of discretionary punishment. If he has committed an offence that warrants such punishment according to Allah’s religion, and the person disciplining him is qualified to do so, then it is justified.

As for baring the head and bowing, these are not part of the Sunnah. They are taken from the customs of certain kings and from pre-Islamic ignorance. No created being may ask others to bare their heads or bow before him. Bowing is for Allah alone in prayer, and heads are bared for Allah while in the state of pilgrimage consecration.

As for “wearing wool,” the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, wore a woollen robe while travelling. Hence al-Awzā'ī said:

“Wearing wool while travelling is a Sunnah, but wearing it while resident is an innovation.”