What is the virtue of praying in more than one garment?

Chapter on the Description of Prayer

Al-Mughni

Book of Prayer

Book 3 · Issue 1 · Bab 5

Open in Qurani

Primary text

It is virtuous to pray in two or more garments because this provides greater covering. Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, encouraged providing ample covering when one has the means, mentioning examples such as praying in an Izaar and Ridaa, or an Izaar and Qamis. The Prophet, peace be upon him, or Umar stated that if one has two garments, he should pray in both; otherwise, if only one garment is available, one should use it as an Izaar and must avoid the way the Jews wrap themselves (Ishtimal al-Yahud). Al-Tamimi stated that one garment suffices, two are better, and four are most complete (Qamis, Sirwal, Amama, and Izaar). Ibn Abd al-Barr reported that Ibn Umar questioned Naafi' about praying in one garment when he possessed two, citing that one would not go out in the house in only one garment, concluding that Allah deserves more adornment than people.