Ibn Bazz: Wiping over the socks without necessity

Wiping over the socks without necessity 

Q: One of our readers sent us a question in which he says: I often see some people, who offer Salah (Prayer), wiping over their socks during Wudu' (ablution) even in summer. Could you kindly advise about the permissibility of this action? Which is preferable for a resident when performing Wudu'; to wash their feet or to wipe over the socks? It is important to note that 

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those who wipe over the socks do not have an excuse for doing so except that they say it is permissible. 

A: The general meanings of authentic Hadith denote the permissibility of wiping over Khuffs (leather socks) and socks in winter and in summer as well. 

II do not know any evidence from Shari`ah (Islamic law) specifying winter for this ruling to take place. However, a person may not wipe over the socks except according to the appropriate conditions of wiping: 1. The socks must cover the part which must be washed. 2. They must be worn directly after Wudu'. 3. Duration of wiping should be maintained, which is one day and night for a resident and three days and nights for a traveler starting after nullifying Wudu', which takes place after wearing the socks, according to the soundest opinion of scholars. 

May Allah grant us success!