Jarir urinated, then performed ablution and wiped over the socks. It was said to him: Do you do like this? He said: Yes, I saw that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) urinated, then performed ablution and then wiped over his shoes. A'mash said: Ibrahim had observed that this hadith was a surprise for them (the people) because Jarir had embraced Islam after the revelation of Surat al-Ma'ida.
The Book of Purification - Sahih Muslim 272a
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and peace and blessings upon our Master Muhammad, his family, and companions.
Textual Analysis
This narration from Jarir ibn Abdullah al-Bajali (may Allah be pleased with him) establishes the permissibility of wiping over leather socks (khuffayn) after urination. The sequence demonstrates that minor impurity does not invalidate the wiping over socks that were worn in a state of purity.
The Prophet's action (peace be upon him) occurred after the revelation of Surah al-Ma'idah, which contains the verse detailing ablution. This timing is significant as it confirms the continued validity of this practice within the complete Islamic legislation.
Juridical Ruling
The consensus of scholars permits wiping over leather socks during travel and residence, based on numerous authentic narrations. The conditions require that the socks be worn after complete ablution, cover the obligatory areas of washing, and be made of material that prevents water penetration.
The duration permitted for wiping is one day and night for residents and three days and nights for travelers, commencing from the first wiping after post-ablution sock-wearing.
Contextual Clarification
A'mash's observation regarding the people's surprise stems from Jarir's late conversion after Surah al-Ma'idah's revelation. This indicates that some companions initially thought wiping over socks might have been abrogated, but the Prophet's continued practice confirmed its permanence in Islamic law.
This demonstrates the importance of following the Prophet's Sunnah regardless of personal understanding or the timing of one's conversion to Islam.
Practical Application
When performing ablution after urination or other minor impurities, one may wipe over leather socks with wet hands instead of removing them and washing feet, provided the socks meet the stipulated conditions and are within the prescribed time limit.
This concession reflects the mercy and practicality of Islamic law, easing the performance of worship while maintaining spiritual purity.