Masah On Wudhu Socks

We present below our viewpoint with regard to wudhu socks and in general all such socks which have the same characteristics.

The primary ruling of Shariat is that one should wash the feet with water. However Shariat has permitted one to wear leather socks and make masah thereupon instead. Based on this, the Fuqaha and jurists thereafter permitted the same on other socks besides leather socks, provided that they fall under the ambit of leather socks by fulfilling the stipulated conditions. If those socks, with certainty, fulfil the conditions, they too will be included in the ruling of leather socks and Masah would be permitted on them; but if any condition is lacking therein, or there is a doubt with regard to all the conditions being met, then one should abstain from making Masah thereupon.

If these socks are not made of leather, the prerequisite for making Masah on them are that they should be classified as ثخين (thick) and for that, there are three conditions according to the Fuqahaa;

1. Durability i.e. the material should be of such thick fabric that it is possible for one to walk three to four miles without it tearing.

2. Istimsaak i.e. the material should be of such thick fabric that it will stand upright on the shin without collapsing/rolling down. This should be achieved purely through the thickness and volume of the material ignoring the tightness and assistance of any fastener/elastic etc.

3. It should be made of material that prevents the penetration of water when dripped on it.

Considering the above, we hold reservations with regard to whether or not these socks meet the necessary conditions such as Istimsaak (for it to remain standing on the foot without the aid of any fastener) and durability (to be able to walk for about 3 to 4 miles in them without them tearing open).

As far as the aspect of Istimsaak is concerned, these socks have fine elastic bands sewn into them which aid in holding them firmly onto the lower shins. Furthermore, it could be the tight-make of these socks that allow them to hold onto the shins.

Allamah Ebrahim Halabi Rahmatullahi Alaih, the author of Halabi Kabeer, mentions that many tight socks stand and latch onto the foot without tying and fastening them merely due to their tightness and this is not sufficient for its validity.

Similarly, whether the socks are of such durability that the material will not tear after walking three to four miles is questionable. When the validity of an Ibaadat as important as Salaah is at stake, it is imperative that one adopts the route of caution which is that one does not make Masah on these socks.