Is it permissible to pray in shorts?

Prayer in scout shorts is permissible, though disliked, if they cover the area between the navel and the knee and are thick enough not to reveal the 'awrah (private parts). This is based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) prohibition of praying in a single garment with nothing on the shoulders. It is better for a worshipper to wear their best clothes, as Allah Almighty says: "O Children of Adam, take your adornment at every place of prayer."