Clothing with animate objects?

Q. Please comment about the use of clothing with eyes (moorath) for children or adults during the day or night? Are there any Hadith indicating that such clothing should not be worn by Muslims and what are the dangers of doing so or how are we depriving ourselves and children by wearing such garments?

A. Images of animate objects printed or embroided on clothing are not permissible. The prohibition of such images have been explicitly mentioned in the Hadith. Sayyiduna Abu Talhah (Radiyallahu Anhu) reports that the Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “The Malaaikah (angels of mercy) do not enter a house wherein there are pictures (of animate objects)”.  (Sahih Muslim, Hadith #: 5485)

Unfortunately, such clothing has become increasingly common in Muslim homes especially in children’s and infant’s clothing. Parents should exercize caution and keep in mind the above mentioned Hadith when purchasing clothing for children. It should not be such that the home is deprived of the blessings of the Mala’ikah due to negligence of this aspect of Shari’ah.

And Allah Knows Best

Mufti Suhail Tarmahomed

Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) 
Council of Muslim Theologians
223 Alpine Road, Overport, Durban
Tel : +27 (0) 31 2077099
Fax : +27(0) 31 2074163
Website : www.jamiat.org.za