Fatwa ID: 02705
Answered by: Moulana Tahsin Alam
Question:
Asalamualaikum
I wear cotton socks at college in the USA.
It is very difficult to make wudu in the public toilet since the taps are automated motion censored.
Also, sometimes I don't get enough time to remove shoes and make wudu and dry my feet and come out in a public toilet.
In this situation, is masah over socks permitted, if I wear clean socks, after making wudu?
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Answer:
Walaikumusalam
The Ḥanafī mazhab only permits wiping over thick socks, the definition of which is:
- Non-transparent (can’t see the foot under the sock when worn).
- Walking in them for three miles without the socks tearing is possible.
- Able to stand upright without external help (being tied with string etc.)once worn.
- Water does not seep through them.[1]
If your cotton socks are of such standards, then they will be permissible for masah. If not, we would request you to purchase the khufayn (leather socks) or waterproof socks such as ‘Sealskinz’ and ‘Gortex’ which are readily available.
Only Allah knows best
Written by Moulana Tahsin Alam
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
