If wearing a khuff over socks, which should be wiped over during wudu?

In a Nutshell: When wearing a khuff (leather travel socks) over regular socks during wudu (ablution), the majority of scholars hold that wiping only the khuff is sufficient. This concession is based on the fact that both khuff and socks were worn in a state of taharah (ritual purity). Table of Contents Introduction Background and Context Evidences Analysis of the Question: If Wearing A Khuff Over Socks, Which Should Be Wiped Over During Wudu? Misconceptions Objections FAQs on Wiping the Khuff Over Socks Conclusion Introduction Performing wudu is a vital prerequisite for salah (prayer) and other acts of worship in Islam. It ensures physical cleanliness and spiritual preparation for connecting with Allah (swt). During travel, a concession is granted to travelers allowing them to wipe over their leather travel socks (khuff) instead of washing the feet during wudu. This answer explores a specific scenario: if a person wears regular socks underneath the khuff, which layer should be wiped over during wudu? Evidences Quranic Verses: The Quran emphasizes the importance of wudu, stating: O you who have believed, when you rise for prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows and wipe over your heads and your feet to the ankles. (Quran 5:6) Hadiths: The Prophet (pbuh) himself demonstrated the act of wiping over the khuff during travel. It is narrated that the Prophet (pbuh) wiped over his khuffs while traveling for three days and nights, without removing them for easing himself or for anything else. (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 160) Scholars' Opinions: The majority of Islamic scholars from various schools of thought (madhahib) permit wiping only the khuff in this scenario, as long as both the khuff and socks were worn in a state of taharah. If Wearing A Khuff Over Socks, Which Should Be Wiped Over During Wudu? There are two main arguments regarding which layer to wipe over during wudu when wearing a khuff over socks: Arguments for Wiping the Khuff: Maintaining the purpose of the concession: The primary reason for allowing masah (wiping) over the khuff is to provide ease for travelers. Wiping only the outer layer upholds this purpose and aligns with the apparent meaning of the hadiths mentioning wiping over the khuff. Following the Sunnah: The Prophet's (pbuh) practice of wiping over his khuff sets a precedent for Muslims. There is no specific mention in the hadiths of needing to remove underlying socks. Arguments for Wiping the Socks: Ensuring Washing of the Feet: The core objective of wudu is to cleanse specific body parts, including the feet (up to the ankles). Wiping the socks might not guarantee water reaching the underlying area, potentially compromising the completeness of wudu. Scholarly Discussions and Practical Application: While both arguments have merit, the majority of scholars lean towards wiping only the khuff. This position prioritizes following the established Sunnah and the practical benefit granted to travelers. However, some scholars allow wiping the socks out of ihtiyat (taking extra precaution) to ensure thorough washing. It is important to note that Muslims are encouraged to follow a reliable madhab for practical guidance on matters of ibadah (worship). Consulting a qualified scholar can provide specific rulings based on individual circumstances and preferred school of thought. Misconceptions There are a few common misconceptions regarding wiping the khuff over socks during wudu: Wiping Both Khuff and Socks is Necessary Some people mistakenly believe that both the khuff and the socks need to be wiped over during wudu. This is not the case according to the majority of scholars. As mentioned earlier, the purpose of the concession is to provide ease for travelers. Wiping the outer layer, the khuff, fulfills this objective while adhering to the practice of the Prophet (pbuh). Material of the Socks Affects Wiping the Khuff The permissibility of wiping the khuff is not contingent on the material of the socks worn underneath. Whether the socks are cotton, wool, or another permissible material, as long as the khuff itself meets the requirements for masah (wiping), wiping only the khuff suffices. Objections Here are some objections raised regarding wiping the khuff over socks and their explanations: Doesn't Wiping the Socks Ensure a More Thorough Purification? While ensuring cleanliness is essential in wudu, scholars prioritize following the established Sunnah and the specific concession granted for wearing khuffs. Imam Nawawi (ra), a revered scholar of the Shafi'i madhab, explains, The reason for wiping the khuff is because of the hadiths and seeking ease for the traveler prevails over seeking complete washing of the feet in this situation. (Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim) How Can a Barrier (Khuff) Prevent Water Reaching the Underlying Socks? This objection raises a concern about the effectiveness of wiping over the khuff if it prevents water from reaching the socks and potentially the feet. However, scholars address this by highlighting the specific conditions for permissible khuffs. The khuff material should be thick enough to retain its shape while traveling and allow for masah. Additionally, wiping is done with enough pressure to ensure it reaches the layer underneath. FAQs on Wiping the Khuff Over Socks Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding wiping the khuff over socks during wudu: Can I wipe over the khuff if it has holes? The permissibility of wiping the khuff depends on the extent of the holes. If the holes are small and do not collectively reach the size of a small toe, wiping the khuff remains valid. However, if the holes are larger, effectively negating the barrier of the khuff, then wiping is no longer sufficient and washing the feet becomes necessary. Can this concession be applied to shoes worn over socks? The concession of wiping over footwear is primarily granted for khuffs due to their specific properties. Regular shoes might not meet the requirements for proper masah, such as thickness and pliability. Therefore, scholars generally do not permit wiping over shoes worn over socks. Conclusion The established ruling based on the majority of scholars and the Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh) is that wiping the khuff alone is sufficient during wudu when it is worn over socks. The primary objectives of this concession are ease for the traveler and following the established prophetic practice. While alternative approaches exist due to varying degrees of ihtiyat, adhering to the chosen madhab provides clarity and eliminates unnecessary doubt in fulfilling the requirements of wudu.