His Islamic appearance may cause him embarrassment at the university
3-5-2010 | IslamWeb
Question:
As Salaam Alaykum, Sir, I would like to get a new answer for this instead of other answers from Islamweb. I have finished my +2 exams Alhamdulillah and now thinking to travel to my country for further studies (Bachelor degree). While in my present school I used to wear the uniform by folding edges from bottom of my pants. Is this practice obligatory? Now, when I will go and study there (in my kaafir nation) it will seem to be very embarrassing between those students in India as I fear they might disturb me for this practice (i.e. folding edges from bottom of pants). Moreover, I am very weak student (in studies) and feel that by looking my religious appearance other people may obscure with my faith and I don't want that. So, can I wear my uniform as other students of my class and sections would be wearing (below the ankle) in that non-muslim society. Please try to understand sir, that world is very different from Saudi Arabia and other Islamic countries. Jazaak ALLAHu Khair.
Answer:
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad 
is His slave and Messenger.
We have already clarified that the preponderant opinion in our view is that it is not permissible for a man to wear his clothes below the ankle whether or not this is out of pride. Indeed, there is a well-known controversy about this issue and the majority of the scholars 
are of the view that wearing clothes below the ankle is not forbidden except if it is out of pride; in this regard you may refer to Fatwa 81978.
Moreover, it is not strange to wear the trousers above the ankles; even if we presume that it is somewhat strange, a Muslim should be proud of his religion by abiding by the example of his Prophet . Rather, it is strange to find that some non-Muslims wear some of their strange clothes that are a sign of their creed, and they do so proudly. Since this is the case, then it is more proper for a Muslim who follows the truth to do so. For more benefit, please refer to Fatwa 81448.
As regards some people who may link between your Islamic appearance and your weakness at studies, then this should not lead you to not abide by this religious ruling or any other religious rulings since pleasing all the people is very hard to achieve.
Moreover, in our view, a practicing Muslim is more likely to succeed and have a sound mind because of being steadfast on the obedience of Allaah. His fear of Allaah brings him inner stability. In addition to this, a Muslim is keen on spending his time in what is beneficial, so we advise you to study hard while having the intention of benefitting yourself and your nation by your studies.
Finally, we advise you to keep company with righteous people inside and outside the university, and you should cooperate with them in fulfilling the obligation of calling people to Allaah, as this is one of the most important means of being steadfast on the truth.
Allaah Knows best.