Is it permissible for a guardian to dress a minor boy in silk clothing?
Chapter on the Description of Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
The most sound position holds that wearing silk is forbidden for minor boys. This is based on the general prohibition stated by the Prophet (peace be upon him): "The wearing of silk is forbidden for the males of my Ummah and permitted for their females." Evidence for this is found in the action of Hudhayfah, who tore silk shirts off his young sons upon returning from a journey while leaving them on his daughters, and the action of Abdullah ibn Mas'ud, who took a silk shirt from his young son and tore it because his mother had dressed him in it. The prohibition is attached to the guardian permitting the child to engage in prohibited acts, similar to permitting them to drink wine or engage in usury.
Supporting text
An alternative opinion suggests that it is permissible because minor children are not subject to the religious obligations (mukallafin), thus the prohibition does not apply to them, analogously to clothing a beast of burden. Furthermore, they are considered objects of adornment, resembling women in this regard.