Wiping Over Cloth Socks: A Brief Overview
Introduction
Among the everyday matters of Islamic jurisprudence is whether one may wipe over cloth socks (masah ‘ala al-jawrabayn) during ablution (wudu). While many classical scholars permit wiping over leather socks (khuffain), questions often arise regarding fabric socks made of cotton or wool. The following discussion examines the linguistic and historical origins of the term jawrab, explores relevant hadith evidence and the practice of early generations, and highlights the practical considerations that have led many contemporary scholars to allow wiping over cloth socks—regardless of thickness or waterproofing.
Linguistic and Historical Roots of “Jawrab”
The Arabic word “Jawrab” (جورب) comes from the Persian term “Gor-e-Pa” (گور پا), literally meaning “grave of the foot.” Historically, jawrab referred to socks made from wool or cotton rather than leather. Though leather footwear was used in some societies, cloth socks gained popularity in many regions for everyday wear.
In the Arabian Peninsula, socks were not commonly worn in early times, and Arabic lacked its own term for them. As people began using them, the Persian word jawrab was adopted. By the latter period of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and the era of the Companions, jawrab had become more familiar. Contrary to a common misconception in the Indian subcontinent, Arabs did not exclusively wear leather socks. The word khuff (plural: khuffain) denotes an ankle-covering shoe, not necessarily a sock. Leather socks were introduced more widely in the subcontinent to fulfil the fiqh requirement of wiping over footwear in particular circumstances; however, most people continued to wear cloth socks under normal conditions.
Practical Rationale and Personal Experience
When travelling to England, I initially took a more cautious stance on wiping over cloth socks. However, I noticed the difficulty Muslims faced washing their feet in public settings—offices, universities, airports, and similar communal areas—leading some to miss prayers. Reflecting on Islam’s principle of taysir (ease) and reviewing the scholarly evidence, I concluded that wiping over cloth socks is permissible.
This ruling brought considerable relief to many people, making it easier to maintain ablutions and consistently observe the five daily prayers on time, especially while at work or travelling.
Evidence from the Sunnah
The core evidence for wiping over socks appears in the authentic ahadith allowing wiping over khuffain (leather footwear), as recorded in works such as Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. Some may contend that khuff differs from jawrab, yet both cover the foot above the ankle. Since their function is essentially the same, scholars have generally applied the same ruling to both.
It is also noteworthy that khuff traditionally refers to a type of leather shoe. However, many scholars hold that the specific material—whether leather or fabric—does not alter the essential permissibility of wiping, provided the sock covers the necessary part of the foot.
Practice of the Companions (Sahaba)
Several Companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) are reported to have wiped over their socks, including:
- Ali ibn Abi Talib
- Ibn Mas’ud
- Ibn Umar
- Al-Bara’ ibn Azib
- Anas ibn Malik
- Abu Umamah
- Sahl ibn Sa’d
- Amr ibn Harith
It is further narrated that Umar ibn Khattab and Ibn Abbas also practised this without objection from other Companions. Many jurists regard this lack of dissent as a tacit consensus (ijma‘ sukuti).
Position of the Tabi’een and Early Scholars
After the Companions, numerous Tabi‘een (successors) and early Imams also held that wiping over non-leather socks (jawrab) is permissible. This includes:
- Sa’id ibn Al-Musayyib
- Nafi’ Mawla Ibn Umar
- Ata ibn Abi Rabah
- Sa’id ibn Jubayr
- Ibrahim Al-Nakha’i
- Al-A‘mash
- Khallas ibn ‘Amr
- Sufyan Al-Thawri
- Abu Yusuf
- Muhammad ibn Al-Hasan
- Hasan ibn Hay
- Al-Shafi‘i
- Abu Thawr
- Ahmad ibn Hanbal
- Ishaq ibn Rahwayh
- Dawud ibn ‘Ali
Some of these scholars did stipulate conditions like thickness, waterproofing, or the ability of the sock to remain in place. However, the author clarifies that such stipulations are “طردی” (secondary) and do not affect the essential legality of wiping over socks.
Anecdotal Evidence from Imam Abu Hanifa
A well-known narration indicates that Imam Abu Hanifa (may Allah have mercy on him) ultimately changed his view and permitted wiping over socks near the end of his life. Imam Tirmidhi relates a report from Abu Muqatil as-Samarqandi, who visited the Imam during his final illness. He found Imam Abu Hanifa performing ablution and wiping over his socks, saying:
“Today I have done something I had not done before.”
This episode is also cited in Hanafi works like Bada’i as-Sana’i and other references, highlighting how practical necessity and deeper reflection can influence a jurist’s final ruling.
Scholarly Endorsement and Contemporary Positions
The author of this discussion wrote an Arabic treatise on wiping over socks. Shaykh Majd ibn Ahmad Maki, a renowned scholar, jurist, and exegete, wrote back in agreement, stating, “I concur with you.” Shaykh Anas ibn Mustafa al-Zarqa mentioned that his father, the famous Hanafi jurist Shaykh Mustafa al-Zarqa (may Allah have mercy on him), likewise permitted wiping over socks, “even if they are thin.” The elder al-Zarqa greatly praised the writings of Shaykh al-Qasimi on this topic and shared the same stance as Shaykh Yusuf al-Qaradawi.
Additionally, Ustadh Muhammad ‘Adil Fares narrated that Shaykh ‘Abd al-Fattah Abu Ghuddah (may Allah have mercy on him) also permitted wiping over socks without insisting on any strict requirement for thickness. In illustrating this, Shaykh Abu Ghuddah likened permissible sock thickness to a thin curtain rather than a heavy one, indicating flexibility in this regard.
Conditions for Socks
Some jurists propose that socks must:
- Be thick enough that the skin’s colour does not show clearly,
- Resist water so it does not easily seep through,
- Remain in place without frequent adjustment.
Yet, according to the above-mentioned authorities, these points are not strict prerequisites that affect the validity of wiping. They aim merely to ensure the sock covers the necessary area adequately.
Conclusion
The permissibility of wiping over cloth socks rests on solid foundations: the Sunnah, the practice of the Companions, and the opinions of numerous early Muslim scholars. While certain schools mention conditions like thickness, these are often regarded as secondary considerations. By recognising that both khuff (leather footwear) and jawrab (fabric socks) cover the foot above the ankle, scholars argue for the same legal ruling in principle.
From a practical standpoint, this eases a significant burden for Muslims who find washing their feet challenging in public spaces, aligning with the broader objectives of Islamic law to facilitate worship and preserve cleanliness. As the Qur’an proclaims:
“Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship.” (2:185)
This article is adapted from an original Urdu response to a query, with the translation provided by AI. The original text is available here: https://t.me/DrAkramNadwi/5763
