Wiping Over Socks During Ablution: Is It Really Permissible?
Sheikh Mohamed Kamal of Egypt's Dar Al-Ifta explains the conditions, rules, and invalidations of wiping over socks and leather footwear during ablution.
Sheikh Mohamed Kamal, Fatwa Secretary at Dar Al-Ifta, answered a question about wiping over socks and leather footwear (khuff) during wudu, clarifying that scholars permit it based on the Sunnah. The Prophet ﷺ is reported to have wiped over both socks and khuff, and several companions practiced the same.
Conditions for wiping over socks:
Socks must be suitable for walking.
They must cover the obligatory areas of the feet and heels.
Made from pure material.
Worn on a state of full purity (wudu).
How to wipe:
Wiping is done on the outer surface, not underneath, as narrated by Ali (RA) regarding the Prophet ﷺ.
Invalidations:
Same as wudu invalidations, plus removing the socks or exceeding the allowed period: one day and night for residents, three days for travelers.
Wiping over light socks:
Majority of scholars do not permit, but some Hanbalis, including Ibn Taymiyyah and Ibn al-Qayyim, allowed it. Dar Al-Ifta Egypt follows the permissibility, emphasizing it is a matter of scholarly difference.
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