Handkerchiefs in Islam
Definition, Etymology, and Significance
Definition
Handkerchiefs refer to pieces of fabric carried often in hand or pocket for uses such as wiping the face or hands. In Islamic tradition, the practice of carrying a handkerchief prominently has garnered specific cultural and legal perspectives.
Etymology
The word “handkerchief” originates from the Middle English terms “hand” and “kerchief,” derived from the Old French “couvrechief,” which means a “cover for the head.” It made its way into Islamic discourse through diverse intercultural exchanges during the medieval period.
- Arabic Translation: منديل (Mandil)
- Turkish Translation: Mendil
Cultural and Theological Perspectives
In Islamic jurisprudence, opinions have varied regarding the custom of keeping a handkerchief in the hand during formal gatherings or public appearances. Islamic law categorizes actions into five categories: obligatory (wājib), recommended (mandūb), permissible (mubāḥ), detested (makrūh), and forbidden (ḥaram).
Opinions and Legal Rulings
-
Makrūh (Detested): According to some scholars, such as those cited in the Hidāyah, it is considered abominable (makrūh) to hold a handkerchief ostentatiously or as a public display without necessity.
-
Allowable (Mubāḥ): In contrast, other scholars argue that if holding a handkerchief has practical utilities, such as for health or cultural reasons, it is allowed. Abū Ḥanīfah, an esteemed Hanafi jurist, approved of its use when borne out of necessity, differentiating between practical use and ostentation as key factors.
Historical Context
The discussion around the use of handkerchiefs falls within broader Islamic etiquettes and behavioral norms. Classical texts like the Hidāyah, a major Hanafi legal manual, detail such customs and provide guidance in various scenarios, reflecting the depth of scholarly investigation into everyday practices.
Recommended Books for Further Study
- “Hidāyah” by Burhan al-Din al-Marghinani: A pivotal text in Hanafi jurisprudence which includes discussions on customs like the use of handkerchiefs.
- “The Etiquette of Living and the Adab of Discussion” by Imam Nawawi: Highlights various recommended and discouraged practices in Islamic tradition.
- “The Book of Knowledge” (Kitab al-‘Ilm) by Abu Hamid Al-Ghazali: Offers insights into Islamic legal and cultural practices.
Takeaways and Conclusion
- Cultural Context Matters: The acceptability of carrying a handkerchief varies based on motives; necessity justifies it while ostentation may render it makrūh.
- Scholarship Varies: Different schools of thought within Islamic jurisprudence offer varying rulings, underscoring the diverse and adaptive nature of Islamic legal traditions.
In conclusion, the discourse around the simple act of holding a handkerchief highlights the granular level at which Islamic scholarship examines everyday practices, always considering the intentions and context behind actions.
The nuances in Islamic rulings affirm the importance of intention (niyyah) and the role of scholars in adapting timeless principles to diverse contexts.
