Question:
Bismillahirrahmanirrahim:
While in Lefke I heard some murids talking about how when we go swimming, it is best to cover not only from our navel to our knees, but our chests and shoulders as well, i.e. wear a (sleeveless?) shirt, for the sake of modesty. Also, to wear the taweez for protection. What is the basis for this? In summer I go swimming almost every day in rivers, lakes or the ocean. I usually wear long (knee-length) swim trunks, but recently bought a basketball jersey to wear in the water as well. Is this necessary? If not in public or if no women are present, is this still necessary? Thank you and jazakallah
Answer:
The Messenger of Allah (saws) said:
Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day must not enter the public bath without a lower garment, and whoever believes in Allah and the last Day must not let his wife go to the public bath.(En-Nasa’i, Et-Tirmidhi)
The minimum for a Muslim man is to always be covered (even when being given the last bath – ghusl – before going to be buried) from the navel to the knee. The more he is covered the better it is. In light of this it is better for him to wear a t-shirt when going swimming to avoid fitna (exposing attractive parts of the body).
Imam Senad Agic
American Islamic Center – Chicago
Majlis #1 Head Imam (IABNA)
www.aicchicago.com
www.imamsenadagic.com
www.iabna.org
