Can I wear shorts to the mosque?
Not usually. Knee-length shorts technically cover a man's awrah for most scholars, but shorts that are short or tight are not suitable for the mosque, and women's shorts are not acceptable at all. It is best to wear long, loose trousers when visiting any mosque, and keep a pair in your bag if you came in shorts.
The minimum rule: awrah
Awrah means the parts of the body that must be covered. For men during prayer, most scholars say this is from the navel to the knees. The Hanafi school counts the knees as awrah too, while the Shafi'i and Hanbali schools do not. The Maliki school sets the strict minimum at the private parts but encourages covering the thighs as well. In other words, shorts that fall below the knee may meet the minimum in some views, but anything shorter does not.
Why most mosques expect more
The Quran tells us to look our best when we go to worship:
Most people take this as a call for clean, modest, respectful clothes. That is why most mosques ask for long trousers, and many mosques will ask someone to cover up. Shorts can also cause distractions in a prayer line, where people bow and prostrate close together, and a short pair can ride up easily.
For women
A woman's awrah in front of men and in the mosque is her whole body except for the face and hands (according to the majority of scholars). Shorts are therefore not suitable for women at the mosque. Women usually wear a long loose dress or trousers with a long top, and a headscarf. Many mosques offer scarves and long cloaks for visitors. See What should I wear to the mosque?
What if I only have shorts?
- Visiting for a tour or event: most mosques welcome visitors and will lend a wrap or ask you to cover your legs. Check the website or call ahead.
- Praying a missed prayer: pray if you must, and if your shorts are knee-length at least, there is no harm. Do not skip the prayer for clothing.
- Regular visits: keep a pair of light trousers or a sarong-style wrap in your bag.
For the clothing rules in prayer itself, see Can men pray in shorts? and What is the awrah for a Muslim man? If you are travelling in summer, see Can Muslim men wear shorts on holiday?
- Men must cover at least from navel to knees; short shorts do not meet it.
- Women should cover everything except face and hands.
- Mosques usually expect long, loose, clean clothing.
- Keep spare trousers on hand, and never miss a prayer over clothes.
People also ask
How do I start a Jumu'ah prayer at my university?
Team up with other students, ask for a room, find someone to give a short khutbah and lead, and fix a regular time. Here is how to start Jumu'ah on campus.
Read the full answer →Do mosques offer classes for new Muslims?
Yes, many mosques offer classes for new Muslims, such as basics of prayer, Quran reading and Q&A circles. Here is what to look for and how to ask.
Read the full answer →Can I switch mosques if I don't like my local one?
Yes, you can switch mosques or attend several. Nobody owns a mosque; pick one where you feel welcome, understand the khutbah and can learn.
Read the full answer →Can a woman go to the mosque alone?
Yes, a woman can go to the mosque alone. Women are encouraged to attend, though it helps to plan for safety, facilities and the prayer space.
Read the full answer →Can I leave the mosque right after the fard prayer?
Yes, you can leave the mosque right after the fard prayer. Staying for dhikr is rewarded, and sunnah prayers at home are even better.
Read the full answer →