Ibn Bazz: Way of wiping over Khuffs

Way of wiping over Khuffs 

Q: A person from Al­Kharj says, "I saw a person wiping over his right Khuff (leather sock) with his right hand and over his left one with his left hand at the same time. Your Eminence, is observing order and close sequence among the conditions of wiping over Khuffs, so that one should wipe over the right foot then wipe over the left one? Is it preferable to wipe with the right hand or is the matter flexible? Appreciate your guidance, may Allah reward you!" 

A: It is an act of Sunnah (supererogatory act of worship following the example of the Prophet) to begin with the right foot as in Ghusl (ritual bath following major ritual impurity) according to the Prophet's saying: When you perform Wudu' (ablution), wash your right parts first. Also, A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to like to start with the right side when putting on his sandals, combing his hair, cleaning or washing himself and in all of his activities. (Agreed upon by Al­Bukhari and Muslim) 

Moreover, if someone wipes over the right foot with the right hand and over the left foot with the left hand, there is no harm in that. Also, there is no harm if they begin with the right foot or wipe both the right and left feet with the right or the left hand. 

( Part No : 10, Page No: 106) 

The majority of scholars are of the opinion that beginning with the right part, be it hand or foot, is Mustahab (desirable) not Wajib (obligatory). It is, however, obligatory to wash the parts of Wudu' in order, starting with the face, the arms, the head and finishing with the feet. Accordingly, washing the right hand or foot before the other is Mustahab not Wajib. However, it is safer for a Mu'min (believer) to start with the right hand and right foot when performing Ghusl or wiping over the Khuffs in Wudu', according to evidence of Shari`ah (Islamic law) and to avoid disagreement amongst scholars. May Allah grant us success!