This is a more complete form of covering the ʿawrah. Likewise, prayer in an ʿizār (a loose lower garment) is more preferable than prayer in a pair of trousers without a long short – since the ʿizār is far better in covering the ʿawrah than a pair of trousers.

Sometimes whilst praying – especially during rukūʿ (bowing) and sujūd (prostration) – part of the ʿawrah (private parts) of person becomes exposed due to his wearing trousers. So what is the ruling of wearing trousers while praying?

Answer

“If a man’s trousers cover what is between his knees and his navel and are loose-fitting, wide and baggy, then it fulfills the condition for the correctness of the Prayer. However, what is more preferable is to where a qamīs (long shirt) – which reaches halfway down to the shins, or just above the ankle bone – over the trousers. This is a more complete form of covering the awrah. Likewise, prayer in an izār (a loose lower garment) is more preferable than prayer in a pair of trousers without a long short – since the izār is far better in covering the awrah than a pair of trousers.”¹

Endnotes:

[1] al-Fatāwá (1/68-69)