The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) performed five prayers with the same ablution of the occasion of the capture of Mecca, and he wiped over his socks. ‘Umar said to him(the Prophet): I saw you doing a thing today that you never did. He said: I did it deliberately.
Hadith Text
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) performed five prayers with the same ablution of the occasion of the capture of Mecca, and he wiped over his socks. 'Umar said to him(the Prophet): I saw you doing a thing today that you never did. He said: I did it deliberately.
Source Reference
Book: Purification (Kitab Al-Taharah)
Author: Sunan Abi Dawud
Hadith: Sunan Abi Dawud 172
Scholarly Commentary
This hadith establishes the permissibility of wiping over leather socks (khuffayn) during ablution, which is a recognized concession (rukhsah) in Islamic law. The Prophet's action demonstrates that wiping over socks is valid for multiple prayers and remains effective as long as one maintains the state of purity.
The Prophet's statement "I did it deliberately" indicates this was a conscious legal ruling, not an oversight, thereby establishing it as a permanent legal dispensation. This concession applies when one has performed complete ablution before wearing the socks and remains in a state of purity.
The duration for which wiping is permitted is established by other narrations as one day and night for residents and three days for travelers. This hadith specifically addresses the occasion of the Conquest of Mecca, showing the practical application of this ruling during significant events.
Legal Rulings
Wiping over leather socks is permissible as an alternative to washing feet during ablution.
The validity of wiping extends through multiple prayers as long as purity is maintained.
This ruling applies to both leather socks (khuffayn) and similar foot coverings that meet the required conditions.
The act must be done intentionally with knowledge of its permissibility.