Dua for Putting on Clothes

When the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) put on a new garment he would praise Allah in this way, and then he would say: "Whoever praises Allah in this way when putting on a new garment, and gives his old garment away in charity, will be in Allah's keeping and protection in his life and in his death" (Jami' at-Tirmidhi, Da'awat 107). This hadith shows that gratitude must be offered not only in word but also in deed: by praising Allah and by giving the old garment to those in need.

The real purpose of wearing clothing is that the body be properly covered and given a decent appearance. In the Noble Qur'an it is said, "O children of Adam! We have sent down to you clothing to cover your nakedness, and clothing for adornment. But the garment of righteousness is better" (al-A'raf 26). This ayah emphasises both the material and the spiritual dimensions of dress.

The garment, shirt and coat we put on, the turban we place on our heads, the socks and shoes we wear on our feet, are among the most important blessings given to humankind. For without them we could not maintain our modest covering, nor protect ourselves from cold and heat. As with every blessing, it is an obligation upon us to fulfil our duty of praise and gratitude to our Lord, who has granted such a blessing.