Wiping Over Footwear
A “Khayf” is a type of footwear made from leather that covers the heels, the protruding bones of the feet. Scholars have unanimously agreed that it is permissible to wipe over Khayf, whether there is a necessity or not, during travel or in one’s home. This allowance extends to women who primarily remain at home and to individuals who are ill and unable to walk. In addition, wiping over socks is also permissible, regardless of whether they are made of wool, linen, cotton, or similar materials. The duration for wiping over Khayf is one day and one night for residents, and three days and nights for travelers, commencing from the first wipe after performing ablution.
Method of Wiping Over Footwear
The technique for wiping over Khayf or socks involves passing the hand over the toes of the feet and then moving it upwards to the shins. The right foot should be wiped with the right hand, and the left foot with the left hand simultaneously. The wiping should be performed on the upper part of the Khayf, as indicated by the Sunnah. There is no basis for wiping both hands over the right foot and both over the left; however, wiping in any manner over the Khayf is considered sufficient.
Conditions for Wiping Over Footwear
There are four conditions that must be met for the validity of wiping over Khayf:
- The footwear must be donned while in a state of purity.
- Both the Khayf and socks must be clean; one cannot wipe over them if they are impure.
- The wiping must occur for minor ritual impurities, and not for major impurity which necessitates a full wash.
- The wiping must occur within the legally defined timeframe; this is one day and night for residents, and three days and nights for travelers.
Wiping Over Shoes
It is permissible to wipe over shoes if they adequately cover the feet and heels since they are considered similar to Khayf. However, if the shoes do not cover the required areas, the majority of jurists agree that wiping is not permitted. The allowance for wiping ceases if the shoes are removed while in a state of purity, though the ablution does not become invalid. If one is wearing short shoes that do not cover the heels, they cannot wipe solely over the shoes. Instead, they may wipe over the socks and the shoes simultaneously.