There's no blanket prohibition against wearing yellow in Islam. The claim that yellow is haram (forbidden) is based on a misinterpretation or selective application of some hadith (sayings and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad). Some interpretations of certain hadith suggest a prohibition of specific shades of yellow, particularly for men, often associated with a particular dye or a certain type of bright, ostentatious yellow. However, other interpretations and scholarly opinions widely accept that wearing yellow is permissible.
Different Interpretations and Scholarly Opinions
The confusion stems from differing understandings of specific hadith. While some hadith mention the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) prohibiting men from wearing yellow clothing (al-Nasa'ī 1988), many scholars argue this prohibition applies to specific types of yellow, perhaps signifying luxury or extravagance, or a particular shade associated with a specific culture's traditions. Several sources, like IslamQA.info, explicitly state that wearing yellow, among other colors like red and green, is permissible. https://islamqa.info/en/answers/72878/which-colours-are-prohibited-in-islam The ambiguity arises from variations in translations of the Arabic word used ("mua'sfar"), which doesn't always accurately translate to "yellow" and can encompass a range of colors. https://islamqa.org/hanafi/daruliftaa-birmingham/136786/wearing-yellow-coloured-clothing/
The issue is further complicated by the broader Islamic guidelines on clothing, which emphasize modesty and avoiding extravagance. The prohibition on certain colors may therefore be context-dependent, focusing less on the color itself and more on the potential for ostentation or imitation of non-Islamic customs.
Conclusion: The nuanced reality of color in Islamic dress.
It is crucial to consult with knowledgeable Islamic scholars to understand the interpretations specific to one's sect or region. The general consensus from many reputable sources concludes there is no definitive prohibition of wearing yellow in Islam for either men or women. Instead of a haram classification, it’s more accurate to say that the permissibility is context-dependent.