Why do Sufis kiss their green scarves before taking them off in their gatherings and zawiyas?

The Best Colors in Clothing:

The basic principle regarding clothes is permissibility (حلّ), and the best color for men is white. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, also wore green.

The Ruling on Wearing Green Clothes:

Scholars have differed on the ruling regarding wearing green, holding two views:

1. Permissibility (الإباحة): The basic principle regarding clothes is permissibility, and wearing green is permissible like any other color. 2. Recommendation (الاستحباب): Some scholars have recommended wearing green because it is the clothing of the people of Paradise and is soothing to the eye.

The more accurate view is to observe the custom of the people. If it is acceptable, then there is no harm in it. However, if it leads to showing off (شهرة) or is a symbol of innovators (أهل البدع), then it is prohibited.

The Reason Behind the Sufis' Preference for Green in Clothing:

Sufis have an attachment to colors, believing they have a spiritual connotation. They claim that green encourages remembrance of the greenery of Paradise, that it is the most beloved color to Allah, and the color of the content soul. These are claims for which there is no evidence and which are not known to the people of knowledge.

The Ruling on Sufis Kissing Scarves:

Kissing scarves and similar actions are reprehensible innovations (بدع محدثة), because it is not permissible to seek closeness to Allah through an act of worship that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, did not legislate.