Answered by Shaykh Mazhar Mahmood
Question:
Is it permissible to wear ear plugs when offering salat?
Answer:
In the Name of God, Most Merciful, Most Kind
We thank you for contacting Mathābah with your query.
The intent of putting earplugs on during the ṣalāh (ritual prayer)is unclear in the question, but we will apply your question to a few scenarios.
Defining Earplugs
A piece of wax, rubber, or cotton placed in the ear as protection against noise or water.
‘If noise levels rise, hearing protection, earplugs or a similar device, may be required.’ – (Lexico Dictionary)
Meaningless Chitchat or Noise
If the purpose of putting earplugs on is to block off meaningless chitchat or noise during a non congregational ṣalāh, there would be no harm in doing such.
Cries of One’s Infant or Child
If the earplugs are worn by a parent to block off the cries of their infant or a child that needs attention, then they should delay their prayer within the time frame of the ṣalāh and attend to their children. Alternatively, have someone else take care of the infant while praying.
Sounds During a Congregational Prayer
If the purpose of wearing earplugs is to block off sounds during a congregational prayer, but this results in preventing the sound of the imam’s Qurʾānic recitation or the takbīrs of the ṣalāh, then utilizing earplugs at such an occasion should be avoided.
Medical Reasons
If wearing earplugs is a recommendation of a physician, then one should opt for wearing earplugs when advised.
If a health practitioner has advised wearing earplugs to prevent contracting a virus, then so long as the essentials of the prayer are not disturbed, one can wear earplugs.
Hearing Aid to Amplify Sounds
If one utilizes a hearing aid to listen to sounds clearly or to amplify sounds, which would be otherwise unheard, then doing such would be advisable, if needed.
Distraction by Earplugs During Prayer
If by wearing earplugs, one becomes distracted by constantly fixing the plugs during their prayer, then it is superior to avoid wearing the earplugs.
Negative Assumptions Regarding Formal Prayer
If putting on earplugs during prayer draws unnecessary attention or results in negative assumptions, such as, adding to the method of the formal prayer, then avoid wearing earplugs.
Headphones for Qurʾānic Audio
If one wears headphones to listen to the Qurʾān in ṣalāh, in anticipation of learning verses of the Qurʾān during prayer, such would constitute seeking knowledge during the prayer which defies the purpose of the ritual prayer. Such would invalidate the prayer.
Allāh Almighty Knows Best
