Sunan an-Nasa'i 28

Overview & Central Theme

This narration, preserved in Sunan an-Nasa'i (Book of Purification, Hadith 28), captures a moment of prophetic practice concerning the wiping over leather socks (Khuffs) during ablution. The central theme is the demonstration of the Sunnah's allowance for wiping over Khuffs as a form of ease (Rukhsah) in purification, contrasting with the stricter requirement of washing the feet. The variant mentioned—where Mansur does not explicitly mention the wiping—highlights the meticulousness of Hadith transmitters in preserving exact wording, underscoring the importance of textual accuracy in Islamic jurisprudence. The overarching wisdom is that Allah desires facility for His servants, and the Prophet ﷺ embodied this by practicing and teaching concessions in ritual purity.

Context & Linguistic Insights

The hadith occurs within the context of the Prophet ﷺ performing ablution while wearing Khuffs (leather socks), a common practice in the cold climate of Madinah. The Arabic term "Khuffs" (خُفّ) refers to footwear made of leather that covers the feet up to the ankles, and the action "masaha" (مسح) means to wipe lightly with wet hands. The note that "Mansur did not mention the wiping" refers to a transmission discrepancy: Shu'bah narrated this report from both Sulaiman and Mansur, but only one version explicitly states the wiping action. This linguistic nuance is critical because it demonstrates the precision required in Hadith transmission—every word carries potential legal weight. The absence of the word in one route does not negate the action, as other authentic narrations confirm it, but it illustrates how scholars evaluate and reconcile variant readings to derive rulings.

Key Scholarly Insights & Legal Benefits

• The permissibility of wiping over Khuffs is established by the Sunnah (action and explicit approval), and the majority of scholars (Jumhur) agree it is valid for a traveler up to three days and for a resident up to one day, provided the Khuffs were put on in a state of ritual purity.
• This hadith underscores the principle of Taysir (ease) in Islamic law—Allah does not intend hardship, and the concession for wiping over Khuffs is a manifestation of divine mercy, encouraging Muslims to embrace practical facilities in worship without guilt.
• The variant transmission (Mansur not mentioning wiping) teaches the importance of textual criticism (Ilm al-Rijal and Takhrij) in Hadith studies, showing that minor differences in wording are meticulously examined to ensure the authenticity and precise application of Prophetic practices.

"Imam An-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said in Sharh Sahih Muslim: 'The wiping over the Khuffs is a confirmed Sunnah, and the Ummah has unanimously agreed upon its validity. The condition is that one wears them while in a state of purity, and the period is one day for a resident and three days for a traveler.'"

Daily Life & Spiritual Application

In daily practice, this teaching invites Muslims to balance ritual precision with practical compassion. When performing ablution, one may wipe over Khuffs (or medical socks, if applicable) within the prescribed limits, thereby easing worship during travel, cold weather, or illness. Spiritually, it reminds the believer that the Shariah is built on mercy and that following the Prophet ﷺ in his concessions is an act of worship in itself—not a lesser option. It also cultivates mindfulness: to ensure the Khuffs are pure, worn after ablution, and wiped correctly, one remains conscious of Allah's commands while appreciating His leniency. This balance—between strictness in essentials and flexibility in non-essentials—reflects the beauty of Islam and encourages a life of gratitude, ease, and sincere devotion.