The Type of Cap Worn by the Prophet (ﷺ)

 

The Bengali word for cap is "topi", which means a head covering or headgear. It originates from the Sanskrit language. The widely known Arabic term for cap is "Kalanaswa", which is derived from the word "Kalsun", and its plural form is "Kalanis". "Kalanaswa" means head ornamentation.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) generally wore a cap or turban, which was part of his attire. Various narrations in Hadith indicate that he wore a white cap and sometimes wrapped a turban over it. In the Arab society of that time, this was considered a respectable and common piece of clothing. The cap was designed in such a way that it covered the head and often protected him from the sweat on his forehead. Wearing a cap was a part of his Sunnah, and many of the companions followed this practice. Even today, wearing a cap is considered a Sunnah of the Prophet among Muslim communities.

The final Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), was an exemplary model for all of humanity. In every aspect of his life, he presented a balanced and beautiful way of living. His attire also reflected humility, refinement, and Islamic ideals. The Prophet (ﷺ) typically wore a cap, which was an integral part of his daily life.

Our Prophet, Hazrat Muhammad (ﷺ), always wore a cap. Evidence of this can also be found among the Companions (Sahabah). A Hadith mentions, "Ayesha (R.A.) reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) wore a cap made of cloth during travel, and at home, he wore a Sham cap." (Akhlaq al-Nabi, Hadith: 314)

Sulaiman ibn Abi Abdullah mentions, "I saw the first-generation Muhajirs wearing cotton turbans of various colors—black, white, red, green, yellow, etc. They would place a cap on their head, and then wrap a turban on top of it."

— (Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaiba 12/545)

The Prophet's Habit of Wearing a Cap:

Hazrat Abdullah ibn Umar (R.A.) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) sometimes wore a white cap. (Akhlaq al-Nabi, 303)

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (R.A.) reported that he saw the Prophet (ﷺ) wearing a white cap made in Syria. (Akhlaq al-Nabi, 304)

Hazrat Ayesha (R.A.) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) wore a cap that covered his ears while traveling, and at home, he wore a general cap made in Syria. (Akhlaq al-Nabi, 305)

Various Hadith books mention that the Prophet (ﷺ) wore a cap and sometimes wrapped a turban over it. Wearing a cap was his personal habit, and it added dignity and beauty to his attire.

Imam Ibn Qayyim (R.H.) in his famous book Zad al-Ma'ad says:

"The Prophet (ﷺ) wore a cap, on which he sometimes placed a turban. Sometimes he wore just the turban without the cap, and at other times he wore both the cap and the turban together."

A Hadith mentions:

"Abdullah ibn Umar (R.A.) said: The Prophet (ﷺ) wore a white cap."

— (Abu Dawood, Bayhaqi, Al-Mu'amalat al-Muhammadiya)

Islamic Significance of Wearing a Cap:

Following the Prophet's (ﷺ) practice, the Companions (Sahabah) also wore caps. Therefore, wearing a cap among Muslims is considered an acceptable Sunnah. Although wearing a cap is not obligatory or mandatory, it is regarded as part of the Sunnah and etiquette. Specifically, wearing a cap during prayer is one of the forms of Islamic tradition.

Types of Caps Worn by the Prophet (ﷺ):

The cap worn by the Prophet (ﷺ) was generally white, made of cotton, and fit well on the head. It was simple and modest in shape. While today there are various types of caps seen among different Muslim communities and regions, the core essence remains humility and following the Sunnah.

Hazrat Abdullah ibn Abbas (R.A.) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) had three types of caps:

A white cotton cap with a lining.

A cap made with a patterned Yemeni cloth.

A cap that covered the ears, which he wore while traveling and sometimes placed in front of him during prayer. (Akhlaq al-Nabi, 306)

Conclusion:

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)'s habit of wearing a cap was not just a piece of clothing but a Sunnah representing modesty, dignity, and the reflection of Islamic culture. Those who follow this practice are trying to implement an important Sunnah in their lives.