is better (23), because it is more encompassing in concealment, as it covers the entire body except for the head and feet; then the rida' (cloak), because it follows it in concealment; then the mi'zar (waist wrapper) or (24) trousers. None of that (25) suffices except what covers the 'awrah (intimate parts) from others and from oneself. If one prays in a qamis (shirt) with a wide neck-opening such that if he bows or prostrates his 'awrah would be seen, or if it were in a condition where he could see it, his prayer would not be valid. This is indicated by the hadith of Salamah ibn al-Akwa' [that he said to the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)] (26): "Should I pray in a single qamis (27)?" He said: "Yes, and button it, even if with a thorn" (28). Al-Athram said: Ahmad was asked about a man who prays in a single qamis that is not buttoned. He said: "He should button it." It was said to him: "What if his beard covers it, and the neck-opening is not wide?" He said: "If it is minimal, it is permissible." Based on this, whenever his 'awrah appears to him or to others, his prayer is invalidated. If it does not appear because the neck-opening of the qamis is narrow, or he tied his waist with a mi'zar or a rope over the garment, or he had a beard that blocks the opening and prevents vision, or he tied his izar, or he placed a rida' or a rag over the opening so that his 'awrah was concealed, that suffices him. This is the school of al-Shafi'i.

The Third Section: Regarding what is disliked. It is disliked to engage in 'ishtimal al-samma'' (the wrapping of the Samma'); because of what was narrated by al-Bukhari (29),