4 Sunnah Rulings on Washing the Feet in Wudu – In Light of Authentic Ahadith Source: Fatāwā al-Dīn al-Khāliṣ, Vol. 1, Page 382
❖ Question:
Is it Sunnah to wash the feet using the left hand?
Is it permissible to use the right hand for washing the feet during Wudu?
Summary Answer:
Yes, it is Sunnah and preferable to use the left hand when washing and rubbing the feet during Wudu.
However, using the right hand is permissible, and the Wudu remains valid.
The left hand is generally used for cleaning areas related to dirt and impurity.
✿ 4 Sunnah-Based Rulings on Washing the Feet:
➊ Using the Left Hand for Washing the Feet Is Sunnah
Narrated by ‘Ā’ishah (رضي الله عنها):
*“The Prophet ﷺ used his right hand for eating and purification, and his *left hand for cleaning oneself and dealing with impure matters (adhā).”
Sunan Abī Dāwūd (1/6)✔ The term “adhā” includes filth and dirt, implying that washing feet falls under such acts.
Hence, using the left hand for rubbing/washing is Sunnah and preferred.
➋ Imam al-Bukhārī’s Commentary
Imam al-Bukhārī (رحمه الله) placed a chapter heading in Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī (1/40):
“Chapter: One who pours water from his right hand over his left to wash.”
This supports the practice of using the left hand to assist with cleaning—especially in acts of removal of impurity.➌ Hadith of Maymūnah (رضي الله عنها)
Narrated in Mishkāt al-Maṣābīḥ (Hadith 481):
The Prophet ﷺ:
- Poured water on his hands and washed them
- Then poured from his right hand onto his left and cleaned himself
- Later washed his feet after completing Ghusl
✔ Although this Hadith refers specifically to Istinjā’, it demonstrates the principle of using the left hand for washing or rubbing areas of the body associated with cleansing.
➍ Importance of Thorough Cleaning Between Toes and Heels
From al-Mughnī (1/119) and other Fiqhi sources:
◈ Ensure water reaches between the toes and over the heels
◈ It is Sunnah to rub the feet to guarantee proper purification
◈ Simply pouring water is not enough; manual effort is preferred where water may not reach easily
This highlights the value of using the hand, preferably the left, to ensure complete washing. Final Ruling:
| Ruling | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Using the left hand to wash feet | Sunnah & mustaḥabb (recommended) |
| Using the right hand | Permissible, Wudu is valid |
| Rubbing the feet, especially between toes | Highly recommended |
| Neglecting the heels and toe gaps | ⚠ Warning from Hadith – may invalidate Wudu |
“Be careful of your heels from the Hellfire!” – Sahih Muslim
Conclusion:
◈ Using the left hand to wash the feet is in line with the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.
◈ Though the right hand may be used, the preferred and more rewardable method is to follow the Sunnah.
◈ Complete cleanliness includes rubbing between toes and around heels.
وَاللهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَاب
