Wearing Sports Team and Traditional Caps

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: What is the ruling/wisdom for wearing hats (especially those for sports teams) in the Masjid/during prayer? One of my friends was told to take off his hat in the Masjid and I wanted to see if this was taken from an Islamic ruling, American culture, or something else. Also, what is the ruling for wearing the kufi and turban? Are they both sunnah to wear during/outside of prayer?

Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

I pray that you are well, insha’Allah.

It is permitted to enter the mosque and pray whilst wearing hats of sports teams.

Perhaps the wisdom in being asked to take them off is in terms of being dressed in a dignified manner or removing such hats being considered an expression of humility before the Divine.

Otherwise, wearing a traditional hat would be considered from the general sunna of the Muslims, and highly praiseworthy with a noble intention to follow the example of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace). However, it is not specifically indicative of religiosity especially since local custom and circumstance too would be considered. The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) told us that, “Verily, Allah does not look at your faces or forms. Rather, he looks at your hearts and deeds.” [Muslim; Ahmad]

See also: Can Anyone Wear a Turban and Are There Specific Styles for Scholars?

And Allah alone gives success.

Wassalam,

Tabraze Azam

Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani