In Islamic rituals such as Sa'i (the walking between Safa and Marwah during Hajj and Umrah) and during obligatory prayers, questions often arise about the proper attire, particularly for men. One specific query that often comes up is whether men can leave their shoulders bare during these acts of worship. The answer to this question varies depending on the specific act of worship and the school of thought one follows.
Understanding the Importance of Proper Attire in Islamic Worship
Islam places a significant emphasis on modesty and proper attire during acts of worship. For men, the basic requirement is that the awrah (the part of the body that must be covered) from the navel to the knees must be covered during prayers. However, when it comes to other parts of the body, such as the shoulders, there are some nuances based on different practices and interpretations.
Sa'i: Should the Shoulder Be Covered?
Sa'i is one of the rituals of Hajj and Umrah where pilgrims walk between the hills of Safa and Marwah. During this ritual, there is a common practice among some men to leave one shoulder bare, particularly the right shoulder. This practice is known as idtiba' and is traditionally done during the first three rounds of tawaf (the circumambulation of the Kaaba), not during Sa'i itself.
What the Shafi'i School of Thought Says
Some followers of the Shafi'i school of thought maintain the practice of leaving the right shoulder bare during Sa'i. However, it’s important to note that this is not a widely accepted or obligatory practice. The majority opinion, and the one considered stronger by many scholars, is that during Sa'i, both shoulders should be covered. This position is based on the understanding that idtiba' is specific to tawaf and does not extend to other rituals like Sa'i.
During Obligatory Prayers, The Shoulder Should Be Covered
When it comes to the obligatory prayers (Salah), the guidelines are more specific. It is generally required for men to cover both of their shoulders during these prayers. This is because Salah is a formal act of worship, and modesty is paramount.
The Validity of Salah if a Shoulder Is Bare
If a man begins his prayer with one shoulder bare, particularly if he just finished performing tawaf and hasn't yet covered his shoulder, the prayer is still considered valid as long as the awrah (from the navel to the knees) is properly covered. However, it is recommended that men cover their shoulders to ensure the highest level of modesty and adherence to the sunnah (prophetic tradition).
In summary, while some men might leave one shoulder bare during Sa'i following certain opinions, the stronger and more commonly accepted view is to cover both shoulders. For obligatory prayers, it is advisable and more respectful to ensure both shoulders are covered. This practice aligns with the general principles of modesty in Islam and ensures that the worshipper adheres closely to the sunnah.
For those who may have performed tawaf with one shoulder bare and find themselves needing to pray immediately afterward, they should cover their shoulder before starting the prayer. However, if they forget and pray with one shoulder bare, the prayer remains valid, though covering the shoulder is preferred.
If you have more questions or need further guidance on the correct practices during Hajj, Umrah, or daily prayers, feel free to contact us for personalised advice.
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