Source: Fatawa Arkan al-Islam
What is the ruling on wiping over socks that are torn or so thin that the skin is visible?
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.
The permission to wipe over socks (khuffayn or jawrabayn) is not solely based on fully covering the feet.
This ease and facilitation applies equally to all types of socks within this description.
ھذا ما عندي واللہ أعلم بالصواب
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
