Correct Method of Wearing Socks or Stockings After Ablution
Source: Fatāwā Arkān-e-Islām
Question:
If a person, while performing ablution, washes one foot (for example, the right), wears a sock or stocking on it, and then washes the other foot (for example, the left) and wears a sock or stocking on it, is this method permissible?
Answer:
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd!
In this matter, there is a difference of opinion among the scholars.
First Opinion:
✿ Some scholars hold that complete ablution must be performed before wearing socks or stockings.
✿ This means that until both feet have been washed, socks or stockings should not be worn.
Second Opinion:
✿ Some scholars have permitted this action.
✿ According to them, if a person washes the right foot and wears a sock on it, then washes the left foot and wears a sock on it, this is also permissible.
✿ Their reasoning is that:
◈ In this situation, socks are still being worn after both feet have been washed.
◈ Therefore, it fulfills the condition that the socks are worn in a state of purity.
Relevant Ḥadīth:
There is a narration reported by Imām al-Ḥākim:
«اِذَا تَوَضَّأَ اَحَدُكُمْ وَلَبِسَ خُفَّيْهِ»
(al-Mustadrak lil-Ḥākim: 1/181)
“When one of you performs ablution and then wears his leather socks.”
Preferred Opinion in Light of the Ḥadīth:
✿ The words “اِذَا تَوَضَّأَ“ (“when he performs ablution”) support the first opinion as stronger.
✿ This is because a person who has not yet washed his left foot cannot be considered to have completed his ablution.
✿ Therefore, in light of this narration, the first opinion is more correct and preferable — that socks or stockings should be worn only after completing the entire ablution.
ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
