The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) wiped over the socks and I said: Messenger of Allah, have you forgotten ? He said: My Lord has commanded me to do this.
Hadith Text & Reference
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) wiped over the socks and I said: Messenger of Allah, have you forgotten? He said: My Lord has commanded me to do this.
Source: Sunan Abi Dawud 156 | Book: Purification (Kitab Al-Taharah)
Commentary on the Narration
This hadith establishes the legal permissibility of wiping over leather socks (khuffayn) during ablution, which constitutes a significant concession (rukhṣah) in Islamic ritual purity laws. The companion's question "have you forgotten?" indicates that wiping over socks was not a commonly known practice at that time.
The Prophet's response "My Lord has commanded me to do this" demonstrates this ruling's divine origin, elevating it from mere customary practice to established religious law. This divine command establishes wiping over socks as a sanctioned alternative to washing feet during wudu', provided specific conditions are met.
Legal Rulings & Conditions
Valid Conditions for Wiping: The socks must be worn after proper ablution, must cover the entire foot up to the ankles, must be made of material that prevents water penetration (typically leather or similar thickness), and must be capable of supporting independent standing.
Duration of Permissibility: The majority scholarly position permits wiping for one day and night for residents, and three days and nights for travelers, calculated from the first instance of wiping after nullification of wudu'.
Method of Wiping: The superior hand is moistened and passed over the upper surface of the socks from toes to shins, fulfilling the requirement with minimal effort as this concession exemplifies the ease Islam brings to its followers.
Scholarly Consensus & Wisdom
The four Sunni schools of jurisprudence unanimously agree on the validity of wiping over leather socks, though they differ in minor details regarding conditions and duration. This consensus stems from multiple authentic narrations supporting this practice.
The divine wisdom behind this concession includes facilitating worship during travel, cold weather, or difficult circumstances while maintaining ritual purity. It demonstrates Allah's mercy in making religious obligations manageable without compromising the essence of purification.