Hadith Study: Dress Below the Ankles

The Prophet said "Allah will not look, on the Day of Resurrection at the person who drags his garment (behind him) out of conceit." On that Abu Bakr said, "O Allah's Apostle! One side of my Izar hangs low if I do not take care of it." The Prophet said, "You are not one of those who do that out of conceit."1

As indicated in this narrative by the Prophet (pbuh), only that dress which is hung below the ankles out of pride and arrogance is disapproved. This is indicated in a few other narrations of this Hadith as well:

Allah's Apostle said, "Whoever drags his clothes (on the ground) out of pride and arrogance, Allah will not look at him on the Day of Resurrection." 2

Allah's Apostle said, "Allah will not look at the person who drags his garment (behind him) out of conceit."3

The following variation of this narrative seems to have the reason for dislike of God missing from the narrative:

The Prophet said, "The part of an Izar which hangs below the ankles is in the Fire."4

As apparent from the very first Hadith quoted above, Abu Bakr had a genuine problem of not being able to keep his dress above the ankles and the Prophet's (pbuh) clear statement provides sufficient guidance in this regard. The restriction of ankles applies only when it was done out of pride and arrogance. Pride in general is something that should not be in the character of a God fearing person; rather one should exhibit humility and humbleness.

1 Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 7, Book 72, Number 675.
2 Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 7, Book 72, Number 683.
3 Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 7, Book 72, Number 674.
4 Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 7, Book 72, Number 678.