Sayyiduna ‘Umar’s (radiyallahu ‘anhu) advice regarding women and fancy garments

Question

Has the following statement been authentically attributed to Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhu)?

Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhu) said: ‘Strip the women of their [fancy] clothes [and] they will stick to the homes.’

Answer

Imam Ghazali (rahimahullah) has cited this narration, without a chain, as the statement of Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhu).

(Ihya ‘Ulumid Din, vol. 3 pg. 188; Also see: Ad-Durrul Multaqat, Hadith: 31, Lisanul Mizan, vol. 2 pgs. 344-346, Tanzihush Shari’ah, vol. 2 pgs. 212-213, Tadhkiratul Mawdu’at, Hadith: 908, Faydul Qadir, Hadith: 1155, Kashful Khafa, Hadith: 409, Ithafus Sadatil Muttaqin, vol. 5 pg. 362, Al-Fawaidul Majmu’ah, pg. 135, and Zawaid Tarikh Baghdad, Hadith: 1420)

Nonetheless, Imam Ibn Abi Shaybah (rahimahullah) has recorded a similar narration, with slight variation in the wording, wherein Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhu) has mentioned:

‘Seek assistance against women [emerging from the home in an attempt to prowl around publicly showing off their clothing] by stripping them [of their fancy clothes].’

See the complete narration along with its reference and authenticity here.

And Allah Ta’ala knows best.

Answered by: Moulana Farhan Shariff

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar