The question was answered by sheikh Abdul-Azeez ibn Baaz. He was born in Riyadh in 1330 AH. He lost his eyesight in his youth but became well known for his great memory especially in the field of hadeeth. He taught for many years and was chancellor of the Islamic University of Medinah. He was the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, a position he held till his death in 1420 AH.
Question: what is the ruling on praying in a garment which covers the ankles, and is prayer behind one who wears such a garment correct, even though this person knows the hadith which prohibits it? Inform us, and may Allaah reward you with goodness.
Answer: The prayer of one whose garment hangs below his ankles is correct, but he is guilty of sin, and he must be advised and warned against that which Allaah has forbidden. It is an obligation upon the Muslim (male)to make sure that his clothing does not hang below his ankles, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
"Whatever hangs below the ankles from the Izar (lower garments) will be in the hellfire" (Bukhari)
The ruling on all clothes including long shirts, trousers and cloaks is the same as that of the Izar. It has been authentically reported from the Messenger of Allaah(peace and blessings be upon him) that he said:
"There are three to whom Allaah will not speak on the Day of Resurrection, nor will he look at them, nor will he purify them, and upon them is a painful punishment: the one who lets his garments trail, AI-Mannan (one who does good deeds and speaks about them a lot), and the one who sells his wares by falsely swearing about them"(Muslim)
That is regarding the duty upon men; as for the woman, she must cover her feet with socks when she goes out to the market, or use a long, flowing dress. Likewise, in the house, if there is any non-blood related men present, such as her brother-in-law or the like. Arid through Allaah is success attained.