Is It Mandatory to Keep Ankles Uncovered During Prayer? Rulings on Folding Pants

Understanding the Importance of Keeping Ankles Uncovered During Prayer

Question: Is it mandatory to keep the ankles uncovered during prayer? What is the ruling on folding pants specifically for prayer?

Answer: It is essential for a Muslim to keep their ankles uncovered, both in and out of prayer, as the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Whoever drags his lower garment out of pride, Allah will not look at him on the Day of Judgment.” (Sahih Muslim: 2085)

Thus, lowering clothes below the ankles out of pride is a sign of arrogance and distances one from Allah’s mercy. In prayer, having clothes below the ankles is even more serious, as it was narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) instructed a man with his garment below his ankles to redo his wudu because of this issue.

If your clothes are too long, cut them so they stay above the ankles at all times, including during prayer. There is no issue if you fold your pants before prayer. The prohibition is against folding clothes during prayer itself.

As for garments like a thobe (long robe), they too should be worn above the ankles.

 Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi Hafizahullah

❪Jeddah Dawah Center – Al-Salama – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia❫