Scholars Explain Ruling on Wearing Images During Islamic Prayer

Islamic scholars have addressed the practice of wearing clothing with images or patterns during prayer, drawing upon religious texts and scholarly interpretations. Syekh Muhammad Shiddiq al Minsyawi, in his book "Rajin Shalat tapi Masih Keliru" (Diligent in Prayer but Still Erroneous), discusses this issue, referencing a hadith concerning Prophet Muhammad's prayer attire.

The hadith cited describes the Prophet praying in a garment adorned with patterns. He noticed the patterns and, after the prayer, instructed that the garment be given to Abu Jahm and replaced with a plain one. The Prophet explained that the patterns had distracted him during his prayer, causing him to fear it might lead him astray. Another narration from Hisyam bin 'Urwah, from his father, also from 'Aisyah, states the Prophet saw the patterns and feared they would distract him.

Based on this hadith, Syekh Shiddiq suggests that wearing patterned or depicted clothing that can cause distraction during prayer is discouraged or disliked (makruh). Imam Malik was reportedly asked about wearing a ring with a statue and advised against it both in and out of prayer. Imam Nawawi also stated that garments with distracting images, crosses, or anything that diverts attention are disliked during prayer, as supported by the Prophet's hadith.

Scholarly opinions differ slightly on the consequence of praying in such attire. While some interpretations suggest the prayer could be void, the prevailing view, supported by scholars like Ibnu Hajar, is that the prayer remains valid but is disliked (makruh). This is because the Prophet did not repeat his prayer after wearing the patterned garment, indicating it did not invalidate the act of worship. This latter opinion is followed by the majority of scholars.