Chapter on What is Permissible to Pray in, from Clothing and Place, and What is Not Permissible to Pray in, from That

Muhammad ibn Ya‘qub, from Muhammad ibn Yahya, from Ahmad ibn Muhammad, from Ali ibn al-Hakam, from al-‘Ala’ ibn Razin, from Muhammad ibn Muslim, who said: I saw Abu Ja‘far عليه السلام praying in a single izar (waist wrap) that was not wide, and He عليه السلام had tied it around His عليه السلام neck. I said to Him عليه السلام: "What do you say about a man who prays in a single shirt?" Imam عليه السلام said: "If it is thick, then there is no problem with it. And a woman prays in a long shirt (dir‘) and a head covering (miqna‘ah), if the shirt is thick, meaning if it is concealing." I asked: "May Allah سبحانه وتعالى have mercy on you, does a slave woman cover her head when she prays?" Imam عليه السلام said: "A slave woman is not required to wear a head covering."