Source: Fatawa Arkan al-Islam
Question:
What is the ruling on wiping over socks that are torn or so thin that the skin is visible?
Answer:
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh. Ammā baʿd!
According to the stronger and correct opinion, it is permissible to wipe over socks that are:
❀ Torn,
❀ Or so thin that the skin is visible through them.
Reasoning:
The permission to wipe over socks (khuffayn or jawrabayn) is not solely based on fully covering the feet.
- The feet are not a body part that must be permanently concealed in Shar‘i law.
- The allowance for wiping is a concession (rukhsah) given to the mukallaf (responsible Muslim) for ease and convenience.
Practical Implication:
- When performing wudu, it is not necessary to remove the socks or shoes.
- Wiping over them is sufficient, even if:
✔ They are torn or intact,
✔ They are thin or thick.
This ease and facilitation applies equally to all types of socks within this description.
ھذا ما عندي واللہ أعلم بالصواب
