Does the ruling of prohibition and dislike concerning wearing ishtimal as-samma’ in prayer cease if the two mentioned reasons for the prohibition—namely, the exposure of the body when raising the hands and the repelling of harm—are absent? And is it true that the inability to place the hands directly on the ground due to as-samma’ is another reason for dislike, and if that is true, does this not apply to all prostration limbs? And does the ruling differ for hand gloves worn by women for prayer in the presence of non-mahram men? And what is the ruling on wearing a prayer sheet (shawl) from which the hands are not extended, with the intention of covering the palms, and does the prohibition of ishtimal as-samma’ include it?
The garment worn by a woman that allows her to move her hands and ward off harm is not included in the 'ishtimal al-samma' (wrapping oneself completely), which was forbidden by the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. 'Ishtimal al-samma' is when a person covers their entire body with a garment without lifting any part of it, leaving no opening for the hands to emerge. Placing the hands directly on the ground during prostration is recommended, unless the woman is praying in the presence of non-mahram men, in which case she must cover her hands. A prayer shawl (sharshaf) is not included in 'ishtimal al-samma'.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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