Does wiping over socks in Wuzu apply to modern socks also

Does wiping over socks apply to the socks which we usually wear nowadays?

In Wudhu, washing the feet up to the ankles once is Fardh, but in case of wearing socks, the Shariah has given an allowance that instead of removing the socks and washing the feet, a person can just wipe over the socks for a period of 1 day and 1 night, for a person in his own native place (Muqeem) and for a period of 3 days and 3 nights for a traveler (Musafir).  As given in Fatawa A’alamgiri, Vol. 1, Pg. No. 31.  However, it should be understood what is meant by socks.

In the light of the Hadith, the Fuqaha (Islamic legal experts) have given the following clarification:

1.  Socks should be such that they should cover the ankles and they should stay in place without tying them.

2.  They can be of leather or any material, which is thick and in which water does not enter.

3.  They should be such the person wearing them can walk like usual without any difficulty.

As given in Fatawa A’alamgiri, Vol. 1, Pg. No. 32.

The socks which we were usually are such that water enters them.  Thus, they don’t come under the definition of socks, which are mentioned in the Hadith.  When wearing them, it is necessary that they be removed and the feet be washed.  Without this, the Wuzu will not be valid at all.

And Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) knows best.

Mufti Syed Ziauddin Naqshbandi Qadri

[Professor, Islamic Law, Jamia Nizamia
Founder/Director Abul Hasanaat Islamic Research Center]