Islam is a religion that emphasizes the importance of modesty for both men and women. While women observe veils and hijab for their modesty, men wear the kufi cap or kufi hat to represent their devotion to Islam and Allah SWT.
What Is A Kufi Hat?
A kufi hat, also known as a kufi cap or skull cap. Muslim kufi hats are round, short, and brimless caps worn by Muslim men as a sign of devotion to their religion. It is made of many materials and colors and is generally worn by men from Middle Eastern regions during religious gatherings or ceremonies. Although the kufi hat has undergone many modifications in the modern era, it remains a symbol of Muslim men’s cultural and religious devotion.
Significance
The kufi hat holds immense significance both religiously and culturally. It distinguishes Muslim men from other religions and reminds them of their unwavering faith and devotion to the deen. From the time of the Prophet Muhammad SAW, men were encouraged to cover their heads as a sign of modesty.
During Prayers
Many Muslim men also wear the kufi hats in their daily prayers. Although no hadith states wearing the kufi hat during prayers is necessary, there is no harm if one does so. Even if one prays without a kufi hat or a skull cap, his prayer is valid, and there is no disagreement among scholars about this. The only thing to remember is that if one wears a kufi hat, he should not do so to get rewards because no Islamic scripture states that wearing a kufi hat earns reward. Rather, it should be done due to its significance in the religion and the culture.
In a hadith, Abu Muslim said that he was with Salman and there was a man removing his leather socks for ablution. So Salman said to him to wipe over his leather socks and his forehead as he had seen the Muhammad SAW wiping over his leather socks and his head cover.
Although this hadith doesn’t state that wearing a head covering is obligatory during prayer, it does show that the Muhammad SAW also wore some head covering. It was also established that Muhammad SAW used to keep his head covered by wearing a turban. Hence, there is nothing wrong with wearing a kufi hat while praying. The Hanafi fiqh even states that it is makrūh (reprehensible) for a person to pray without covering their head.
Benefits Of Kufi Hat
Not only does the kufi hat represent cultural and religious devotion, but it also has many benefits for the wearer.
Protection From UV Rays
Just like the hijab, the Kufi hat protects from UV rays. This protection makes the hair and scalp healthier and protects it from pollution and bacteria. It also prevents an irritated scalp and helps maintain hair moisture.
Establishes Identity
Wearing a kufi hat establishes a separate identity and represents a connection to Islam. It also highlights a person’s devotion to Allah SWT.
Protects From Harm
Whenever one wears a kufi hat, it is a constant reminder that the wearer is carrying a significant part of the religion with him. This continuous reminder protects the wearer from sins and spiritual harm. It might also help to deter unwanted attention or advances from certain individuals.
Kufi Hat In Different Regions
The kufi hat is also worn in many other cultures. For example, in North Africa, the taboosh, known as the Fez cap, is a variation of the kufi cap made from felt with a flat top and tassel. In Southeast Asia, the Sangkok is another variation of the kufi hat worn by Malaysian and Indonesian men. Moreover, due to its popularity, many people in the West adorned it.
The Ruling on Silk
Since it is haram for a man to wear silk, any kufi hats lined with pure silk are also haram. Therefore, when wearing a kufi hat, one should ensure that there is no silk. One should also wear the kufi hats in acceptable colors.
A Reminder
It is worth noting that whenever one wears a kufi hat, it should not resemble the head cover of the Jews, and this is because imitating the non-believers or any of their customs and traditions is strictly forbidden and is a sin in Islam.