Wiping Over the Khuffs

The Chapter of Purification

Wiping Over the Khuffs

Wiping over the khuffs is one of the great concessions granted in Islam as a means of ease and mercy.

It is firmly established through authentic, widely transmitted Sunnah, and was practiced by the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them).

First: What Are Khuffs and What Is Wiping Over Them?

Khuffs

Khuffs are footwear worn on the feet that cover them up to and including the ankles.

Islamic Definition of Wiping Over the Khuffs

It is wiping the top of the khuffs with wet hands instead of washing the feet during wudu, under specific conditions.

Second: The Ruling on Wiping Over the Khuffs

Wiping over the khuffs is permissible and legislated in Islam.

It is a confirmed Sunnah.

Imam Ahmad said:

“There is nothing in my heart concerning wiping over the khuffs; there are about forty hadiths from the Prophet ﷺ regarding it.”

It is:

A concession

A form of ease

A well-established Sunnah

And it is not limited to travel only.

Third: Conditions for Wiping Over the Khuffs

Wiping over the khuffs is valid only if the following conditions are met:

The khuffs were worn after complete purification

Meaning after a valid wudu

The khuffs are pure

Not contaminated with impurity

They cover the feet including the ankles

The wiping is done within the prescribed time limit

Fourth: Duration of Wiping Over the Khuffs

The duration differs based on one’s situation:

For a resident:

One day and one night

(24 hours)

For a traveler:

Three days and nights

(72 hours)

⏱ The duration begins: From the first wipe after breaking wudu,

not from the time the khuffs were worn.

Fifth: How to Wipe Over the Khuffs

The correct method of wiping:

Moisten the hands with water

Wipe only the top of the khuff

Start from the toes and move upward toward the leg

❌ One should not wipe:

The bottom of the khuff

Or the back of it

Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) said:

“If religion were based on opinion, the bottom of the khuff would be more deserving of wiping than the top. But I saw the Messenger of Allah ﷺ wiping over the top of his khuffs.”

Sixth: What Invalidates Wiping Over the Khuffs?

Wiping over the khuffs becomes invalid in the following cases:

The expiration of the wiping period

Removing the khuffs

Occurrence of anything that requires ghusl

(such as major ritual impurity)

Seventh: Wiping Over Socks

It is permissible to wipe over socks if they are:

Covering the ankles

Suitable for walking in

Not transparent

This is the opinion of many scholars.

Summary of Wiping Over the Khuffs

Wiping over the khuffs is a confirmed Sunnah

It replaces washing the feet during wudu

It has specific conditions and a fixed duration

It represents ease without negligence

It ends when its conditions end

Madrasat Al-Quran

We teach Islam as it was revealed

With ease, adherence, and a sound methodology