Is wearing silk permissible for treating lice, itching, or illness?
Chapter on the Description of Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
Wearing silk is permissible if it serves a beneficial purpose, such as treating lice, itching, or illness, according to one narration. This is evidenced by the account of Anas, who narrated that Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf and Zubayr ibn al-Awwam complained of lice to the Prophet, peace be upon him, who then permitted them to wear silk shirts during a military campaign. The consensus holds that a ruling established for a Companion applies to others unless a specific text dictates exclusivity. The meaning of the excuse provided for lice is extended to other conditions where silk is beneficial.
Supporting text
The second narration holds that wearing silk is not permissible for illness, as the dispensation might have been exclusive to the two Companions mentioned. This opinion aligns with Malik. However, the first view is considered sounder because specifying an exception to a general prohibition contradicts the default principle.