Have you ever imagined that a simple activity like wearing a new shirt or Eid clothes could be a cause for the shedding of our sins? Often, we consider dressing as just a normal daily routine. We are busy matching colors or looking in the mirror, but forget to involve Allah in it. Also, read a complete guide to the etiquette of dress so that the reward is perfect.
In fact, in the book Al-Adhkar on page 20, Imam An-Nawawi narrates a very amazing story. It turns out, there is a short sentence—a sincere confession of a servant—that if uttered when wearing new clothes, the reward is Allah’s forgiveness for past sins.
That sentence is a supplication: “Alhamdulillahilladhi kasani hadha…”. Let us thoroughly discuss the secrets and virtues behind this supplication so that every thread attached to our bodies brings blessings.
The Secret Behind the Ḥadīth of Mu’ādh bin Anas
Imam An-Nawawi placed this ḥadīth in Chapter 44 of his book. This is not a trivial statement, but rather a promise of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ to his community who are skilled in gratitude.
Here is the complete wording of the hadith as written in Al-Adhkar:
وروينا فيه عن معاذ بن أنس رضي الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال : ” من لبس ثوبا جديدا فقال : الحمد لله الذي كساني هذا ورزقنه من غير حول مني ولا قوة ، غفر الله له ما تقدم من ذنبه “
Meaning:
“And we narrate in the book of Ibn Sinni from Mu’adh bin Anas radiyallahu ‘anhu, that the Messenger of Allah said: ‘Whoever wears new clothes and says: All praise is to Allah who has clothed me with this garment and bestowed it upon me without power or strength from myself, then Allah forgives his past sins.’“
From the original text above, we can see that the conditions for attaining maghfirah (forgiveness) are very light:
- Wearing new clothing (thawban jadidan).
- Reciting the prayer of confession sincerely.
Why is This Prayer So “Powerful”?
Perhaps a question arises in our minds, why can such a short prayer erase past sins? The answer lies in the meaning of tawhid and surrender contained within it.
1. Total Acknowledgment of Allah’s Provision
The phrase Alhamdulillahilladhi kasani hadha (All praise is due to Allah who has clothed me with this) is the highest form of gratitude. We do not say, “This garment is the result of my hard work,” or “This is because I have money.” No. We acknowledge that the one who truly clothes us is Allah.
2. Releasing Self-Conceit
The most crucial point lies in the sentence:
من غير حول مني ولا قوة
(Min ghairi hawlin minni wala quwwah)
Meaning: “Without power and strength from myself.”
This is a statement that destroys ujub (excessive self-pride). When wearing new clothes that may be expensive or good, humans tend to feel arrogant and great. With this supplication, we acknowledge that we are weak. We are able to buy those clothes not because we are clever at earning money, but solely because Allah provides sustenance. This attitude of humility before Allah is what invites His forgiveness.
When is the Best Time to Practice It?
Based on the chapter title created by Imam An-Nawawi:
(Chapter on what to say when wearing new clothes, sandals, or something similar)
“The chapter concerning what is said when wearing new clothes or sandals or something similar.”
Therefore, this supplication is recommended to be recited at the following specific moments:
- When trying on newly purchased clothes for the first time.
- When wearing new uniform clothes, a new gamis, or a new shirt.
- This also includes when wearing new sandals or shoes (aw na’lan), as per the qiyas (reasoning) mentioned by Imam An-Nawawi.
However, do not forget the basic etiquette. Before reciting this lengthy prayer, Imam An-Nawawi reminds us at the beginning of the chapter (p. 20):
يستحب أن يقول : بسم الله , وكذلك تستحب التسمية في جميع الأعمال .
“It is recommended to say: Bismillah. Similarly, it is recommended to read Bismillah at the beginning of every deed.”
So the order is: Reciting the Basmalah when about to wear it, then continuing with Alhamdulillahilladhi kasani hadha… after the garment is neatly put on.
The Difference Between the Prayer for New Clothes and Old Clothes
In Al-Adhkar, there are differences in the wording of the supplication for everyday clothing and new clothing. To avoid confusion, refer to the following table:
| Category | Hadith Reference | Prayer Recitation (Core) | Virtue |
| Ordinary Clothing | Hadith No. 43 (Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri) | Allahumma inni as’aluka min khairihi… (O Allah, I ask You for its goodness…) | Seeking protection from the evil of clothing. |
| New Clothing | Hadith No. 44 (Mu’adz bin Anas) | Alhamdulillahilladhi kasani hadha wa razaqanihi… | Sins of the past are forgiven. |
| New Clothing (Option 2) | Hadith No. 45 (Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri) | Allahumma lakal hamdu anta kasautanihi… | Expression of gratitude and request for goodness. |
Although there are several versions, the narration of Mu’adh bin Anas (Hadith No. 44) is the one that specifically mentions the reward of forgiveness of sins. To understand the difference with daily prayers, read our review on the difference between prayers for ordinary and new clothes.
Perfected with the Charity of Old Clothes
To complete our gratitude, there is another practice mentioned by Imam An-Nawawi in Hadith No. 46 from Umar bin Khattab radhiyallahu ‘anhu.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said that whoever wears a new garment, then praises Allah (like the prayer above), then takes his old garment that is still wearable and gives it in charity, will be:
في حفظ الله وفي كنف الله عز وجل , وفي سبيل الله حيا وميتا
“In the care of Allah, in the protection of Allah Azza wa Jalla, and in the way of Allah, whether in life or in death.”
This is a complete package: sins are forgiven through prayer, and life is protected by God through charity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this prayer only for expensive clothes?
No. The word tsawban (clothing) in the ḥadīth is general. Whether it is expensive clothing or a cheap shirt, as long as it is “new” to you, then it is sunnah to recite this prayer.
What if I forget to recite it when wearing it?
You may recite it when you remember, even after you have finished donning Iḥrām. Gratitude and acknowledgement to Allah are not rigidly time-bound, although it is primarily uttered during the moment of wearing it.
Is it permissible to recite [prayers] for clothing that is not new (daily wear)?
It is permissible as a form of dhikr and gratitude. However, the specific promise of “forgiveness of past sins” in the hadith narrated by Mu’adh bin Anas is linked to the context of tsawban jadidan (new clothing).
Does this include socks and a skullcap?
Imam An-Nawawi titled the chapter with the addition “…or sandals or something resembling them.” Therefore, clothing accessories such as a peci (traditional Indonesian cap), headscarf, socks, or new shoes also fall within this recommendation.
Let us memorize this beautiful prayer. Do not let the moment of wearing new clothes pass by without becoming a field of reward for us. You can also read A Complete Guide to the Prayer for Wearing Clothes: From Putting On to Taking Off in Accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet.
Reference
Al-Nawawī, Yaḥyā ibn Sharaf. Al-Adhkār. Edited by ʿAbd al-Qādir al-Arnaʾūṭ. New revised edition. Beirut: Dār al-Fikr, 1994.
