Hadith Text & Context

Jarir urinated. He then performed ablution and wiped over the socks. He said: What can prevent me from wiping (over the socks); I saw the Messenger of Allah (doing so). They (the people) said: This (action of yours) might be valid before the revelation of Surat al-Ma'idah. He replied: I embraced Islam after the revelation of Surat al-Ma'idah.

Reference: Sunan Abi Dawud 154 | Book: Purification (Kitab Al-Taharah)

Scholarly Commentary

This narration establishes the permissibility of wiping over leather socks (khuffayn) during ablution, a well-established Sunnah practice. Jarir ibn 'Abdullah al-Bajali's testimony is particularly significant as he witnessed the Prophet performing this act personally.

The companions' objection reflects their meticulous adherence to Quranic injunctions, suspecting this practice might have been abrogated by Surah al-Ma'idah 5:6 which details ablution procedures. Jarir's decisive response confirms the ruling's continuity, as he embraced Islam after the revelation's completion, thus witnessing the final, unabrogated practice.

Legal Rulings Derived

Wiping over leather socks remains valid in Islamic law, provided they cover the entire foot up to the ankles and were worn after proper ablution.

The duration for wiping is twenty-four hours for residents and three days for travelers, counting from the first nullification of ablution after wearing the socks.

This concession demonstrates Islam's practical approach to worship, easing difficulty while maintaining purity requirements.

Method of Wiping

The proper method involves moistening the hands and passing them over the upper surface of the socks once, from toes to shins.

This act substitutes for washing the feet during ablution, provided the conditions for its validity are met.