It should be clear that there is nothing in the sources of Shari`ah to consider wearing a suit and tie as objectionable unless they are made of silk.
Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states: Wearing a tie is not a religious symbol, nor is it considered as a part of any religious ritual associated with any particular religion or cult. It is quite frankly a custom in certain countries, and, as such, it is not at all different from other customs. The basic rule of the Shari`ah in regards to customs is that they are deemed innocent and therefore shall be considered as permissible until proven contrary to the principles of Islam or harmful or destructive to individuals or societies.
There is nothing in the sources of Shari`ah to consider wearing a suit and tie as objectionable; nor is there anything in reason or common sense that suggests it is harmful or destructive.
Wearing a suit and tie is simply a dress style peculiar to certain cultures; it is not at all different from wearing shalwar kameez. If someone says wearing shalwar kameez or sherwani kurta is haram (unlawful) because it was not worn by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) or the Arabs, everyone will rush to state that he is being fanatical and extreme. I would also add that he is, in fact, contradicting the universal nature of Islam. Being universal in nature, Islam is not at all opposed to such customs as long as they are not deemed as harmful to individuals or societies.
It is a historical fact attesting to the universality of Islam that it has adapted itself to totally different customs and cultures which were farthest from the original Arab milieu where it was born—a factor testifying to its remarkable capacity for assimilation and adaptation, thus proving its relevance for all times and places.
Let us therefore appreciate the beauty of Islam by not tying it down to specific ethnic dress styles or customs. Allah tells His Messenger, (We have sent you but as a mercy to the worlds.) (Al-Anbiya’ 21: 107); (And We have sent you but as a giver of good news and a warner to all people; but most people do not know.) (Saba’ 34: 28). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “I have been sent as a Messenger (of Allah) unto all of humanity.”
In conclusion: There is nothing in the sources of the Shari`ah to consider wearing a suit and tie as haram.