Ibn Bazz: The conditions of wiping over the Khuffs

The conditions of wiping over the Khuffs 

Q: Is it necessary to wear a certain type of Khuffs (leather socks) when wiping over the Khuffs, or is any type permissible? 

( Part No : 10, Page No: 112) 

A : It is permissible to wipe over the Khuffs, provided that they cover the feet and the ankles; clean; made of leather of any lawful animal, such as camels, cows or sheep; and they must be worn by the person in a state of Taharah (ritual purification). 

It is also permissible to wipe over the socks, whether they are made of cotton, wool, or other materials, according to the most authentic opinion among the scholars. It was authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) wiped over his socks and shoes. This was also authentically reported from a group of the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet). Socks and shoes take the same ruling on Khuffs, as they do the same function of covering. The period of wiping is a day and a night for a resident, and three days and nights for a traveler, starting from the moment of wiping over them after performing Wudu' (ablution) according to the most authentic of two scholarly opinions, based on the Sahih (authentic) Hadiths in this regard. The Khuffs are worn after Taharah in case of minor Taharah. 

However, in case of major Taharah, it is impermissible to wipe over the Khuffs; you should take them off and wash the feet. It was authentically reported from Safwan ibn `Assal (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said, The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to instruct us when we were on a journey not to take our Khuffs (leather socks) off for three days and three nights except (to bathe) from Janabah (major ritual impurity related to sexual discharge). We did not have to do so to purify ourselves after sleeping, urinating or defecating. (Related by Al­Nasa'y, Al­Tirmidhy, and this is the wording of the latter, and Ibn Khuzaymah, who ranked it as Sahihas reported by Al­Hafizh in Bulugh Al­Maram). 

Major Taharah is that performed after Janabah, menstruation and postpartum period. 

Minor Taharah is that performed after minor ritual impurity, such as urine, passing wind and such things that invalidate Wudu' (ablution). 

May Allah grant us success!