Ruling on Wiping Over Shoes and Torn Socks

📚 Derived from: Ahkam wa Masail in the Light of Qur'an and Hadith, Volume 02

❖ Question:​

Is it permissible to wipe over shoes? And can one wipe over torn socks?

❖ Ruling on Wiping Over Shoes:​

It is established from Hadith that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ wiped over socks and shoes. Al-Mughirah ibn Shu'bah (رضي الله عنه) reported:

"The Prophet ﷺ performed ablution and wiped over his socks and shoes."
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Sunan Abu Dawood)

These shoes were of the Arabian style, typically consisting of straps and generally open at the top. This indicates that if one is wearing socks underneath strap-style shoes, then it is permissible to wipe over those socks. The ruling of wiping over the shoes implies that the shoes should not obstruct the act of wiping over the socks.

❖ Ruling on Wiping Over Torn Socks:​

Scholars differ regarding the permissibility of wiping over torn socks. According to some scholars, the socks must cover enough of the feet such that wiping over them is valid. If the socks are so torn that a significant portion of the feet is exposed, then wiping over them is considered disliked (makruh) or inappropriate. However, if the socks are only slightly torn and most of the feet remain covered, then it is permissible to wipe over them.

❖ Summary:​

✔ Wiping over shoes is permissible if socks are worn beneath and the shoes' design does not obstruct the act of wiping.
✔ Wiping over torn socks is allowed only if the tear is minor and the majority of the feet remain covered. If the socks are excessively torn exposing a large part of the feet, then wiping over them is considered makruh.
وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ
 
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