Islamic Scholar Cautions Students Against Wasteful ‘Signing-Out’ Shirt Tradition

Islamic Scholar Cautions Students Against Wasteful ‘Signing-Out’ Shirt Tradition

The Grand Imam of the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology (OYSCATECH), Igboora, Imam Alli Ismail Adebayo, has urged graduating students to avoid extravagance and un-Islamic practices associated with the increasingly popular “signing-out” shirt tradition observed at the end of examinations.

In a statement titled “Extravagance or Celebrations? An Islamic Perspective on Signing-Out Shirt Traditions,” the Islamic scholar said while Islam permits believers to celebrate lawful achievements, such celebrations should be guided by the principles of moderation, gratitude and modesty.

According to the cleric, completing one’s studies is a blessing deserving of thanksgiving to Allah, stressing that Islam does not forbid expressions of joy over academic success.

He cited verses from the Qur’an, including Qur’an 10:58 and Qur’an 14:7, to support the position that Muslims are encouraged to rejoice in Allah’s blessings and express gratitude for His favours.

However, Imam Adebayo warned that the practice of purchasing white shirts solely for classmates to sign and then discarding them could amount to isrāf (extravagance) and tabdhīr (wastefulness), both of which are prohibited in Islam.

He referenced Qur’an 7:31, which cautions believers against extravagance, and Qur’an 17:26–27, where wastefulness is strongly condemned.

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According to him, if the shirts are rendered unusable or thrown away after the celebration, such actions become blameworthy because they involve the unnecessary destruction of property.

The cleric explained that where the clothing remains usable after being signed and the activity does not involve unnecessary spending, the level of concern is reduced, although he maintained that Muslims should still avoid adopting customs that offer little meaningful benefit.

Imam Adebayo also cautioned against blindly imitating social trends without considering their compatibility with Islamic values.

Quoting a saying of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), he said Muslims should be mindful of practices that encourage extravagance, vanity or behaviour inconsistent with Islamic teachings.

He further reminded students that wealth is a trust from Allah and that every individual would be accountable for how they acquire and spend their resources.

The scholar also emphasised the importance of modesty during graduation celebrations, warning against activities that promote indecent messages, inappropriate drawings, free mixing between male and female students or other forms of behaviour prohibited in Islam.

Drawing on the opinions of renowned Islamic scholars, including Ibn Kathir, Ibn Taymiyyah, Ibn al-Qayyim, and Muhammad ibn Salih al-Uthaymin, Imam Adebayo noted that customs are generally permissible unless they involve sin, wastefulness or conflict with Islamic principles.

He explained that celebrations become objectionable when they encourage showing off, excessive spending or neglect of religious obligations.

The cleric outlined circumstances under which the signing-out tradition could be considered permissible, saying it would be acceptable if students merely exchanged congratulatory messages, avoided offensive words or images, ensured the shirts remained usable and refrained from unlawful interactions or extravagant spending.

Conversely, he said the practice becomes discouraged if it is pursued simply to imitate fashionable trends or encourage vanity, and prohibited where it involves destroying clothing, indecent content, unlawful interaction between the sexes, or activities such as immoral entertainment and other acts forbidden under Islamic law.

Imam Adebayo encouraged graduating students to adopt more meaningful ways of celebrating the completion of their studies, urging them to prioritise gratitude to Allah, moderation and responsible use of resources.

He concluded by praying for divine guidance for students and the wider Muslim community, stressing that genuine celebrations should reflect faith, gratitude and good character rather than temporary social trends.

This version is written in a conventional newspaper style, presenting the cleric’s views objectively while maintaining readability and journalistic balance.

Islamic Scholar Cautions Students Against Wasteful ‘Signing-Out’ Shirt Tradition