A person should leave his clothes as they are when he starts praying. He is not allowed to roll up his garments above the ground or roll up his sleeves specifically upon commencing his prayer or because of his prayer.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said in the authentic hadîth: “I was ordered to prostrate on seven bones and to roll up neither hair or garment.” [Sahîh al-Bukhârî (809) and Sahîh Muslim (490)]

Therefore, the ruling does not refer to clothing that is already rolled up for some other reason. The hadîth merely prohibits rolling up clothing at the time of prayer.

What the hadîth mentions about not to tucking up the clothes means not to fold or tuck up one’s clothes or his hair to avoid it touching the ground. What is understood from this is to avoid any act of arrogance like disliking one’s clothes or hair to touch the ground.

When one bows or prostrates, one should have no problem with one’s clothing bowing or prostrating as well. The person needs to be humble.

However, if a person rolls up his clothing to avoid personal discomfort or for some genuine benefit – and not just a desire to keep the clothes from touching the ground –then we do not see this as being a problem.

And Allah knows best.