What is the ruling on wearing the garment known as Istitmāl as-Sammā’ (wrapping oneself entirely in a cloth)?
Chapter on the Description of Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
Wearing Istitmāl as-Sammā’ is disliked (makruh). This ruling is established based on the Hadith where the Prophet, peace be upon him, forbade two types of dress: Istitmāl as-Sammā’ and a man wrapping himself in a cloth such that nothing separates his private parts from the sky while sitting (Ihtibā’ without an Izaar). Different interpretations exist for Istitmāl as-Sammā’: some scholars define it as wrapping the Rida’ (upper garment) around oneself without wearing an Izaar underneath, thus exposing the thigh and private parts. Others define it as drawing the garment around oneself, putting the sides over the shoulders, and letting the private parts become visible. If interpreted as the garment where the private parts are exposed, the prohibition carries the ruling of being Haram (forbidden), and prayer performed in this state is invalid.
Supporting text
One interpretation from Hanbal, related by Ahmad, specifies that Istitmāl as-Sammā’ is when a man wraps himself in a garment without an Izaar, leading to the exposure of his thigh and private parts; however, if he wears an Izaar, it resembles the dress of a Muhrim (pilgrim) and is permissible. Another view, attributed to Ibn Mas’ud, describes it as wearing one garment, grasping its edges over the shoulder, which is called as-Sammā’.