1. What has been mentioned with great emphasis in the verdicts of grand jurists and religious authorities is that mourning, lamentation, crying and being sad at the sad martyrdom of the Chief of Martyrs, Imam Hussein (a) is good and profusely rewarded. It should be noted that different cultures, communities and people hold different forms of mourning and ceremonies in commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (a). No special form of mourning has been recommended in the traditions. Taking off clothes which is customary in some countries or places are subject to the same area's customs and habits; they have no special virtue or value nor has any special emphasis been laid on them. In fact, at places where there are women and these ceremonies are held in their presence, it is better and more appropriate to hold these ceremonies without taking one's shirts. [i]

In any case, what has been mentioned in the fatwa of most the grand jurists about taking off one's shirts and beating the chest indicate that it is permissible to take off one's shirts, if one is not taking them off in front of non-mahram and if it does not entail any corruption. [ii]

It is worth mentioning that taking off shirts (in its current manner) is not considered to be derogatory. In case, it is considered to be derogatory in some countries, it is not permissible.

2. Latm literally means hitting the face and body with the palm. [iii] Considering the traditions about mourning for Imam Hussein (a), none of the jurists have ever forbidden latm or beating the chest in mourning for Imam Hussein (a) and other infallibles; rather, they have emphasized on its desirability. [iv]

It goes without saying that permissibility of beating the chest is allowed only to some extent. Firstly, it should not involve self-crime. Secondly, it should not entail desecration and derogation of Islam and Muslims. [v]

The "old shirt" story as stated by Lohuf of Ibn Tavus is such that Imam Hussein (a) asked his family to bring him an old shirt. " Bring me some old and tattered dress to wear so that they might spare me ." [vi]

Perhaps, this story contains a moral message pertaining to guarding one's chastity and dignity. It has nothing to do with what you have mentioned in your message. No jurist has ever considered it as a proof of the impermissibility of taking off one's shirt during mourning for Imam Hussein (a).

Related indexes:

Question 7183 (site: 7277, Index: Traditions on the permissibility of mourning for Imam Hussein (a).

Question 12164 (site: 11927) Index: Harming the body in mourning for Imam Hussein (a).