Masah on socks (al-mash ‘ala al-khuffain) is a concession in wudu that lets you wipe wet hands over the top of your leather socks or suitable footwear instead of washing your feet. You must have put them on after a complete wudu, and the permission lasts one day and night for a resident and three days and nights for a traveler. For Muslims facing cold mornings in the US, Canada, the UK or northern India, it makes Fajr and work-day Salah much easier.
This guide explains the evidence, the conditions, the exact method and the points on which scholars differ, so you can practice it with confidence, Inshallah.
The evidence for wiping over khuffain
In the wudu ayah, Allah commands believers to wash the face and arms, wipe the head and wash the feet up to the ankles (Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:6). Alongside this, the Sunnah established a mercy for those wearing khuffain (leather socks).
- Al-Mughirah ibn Shu’bah (RA) narrated that during a journey he bent to remove the Rasool’s ﷺ khuffain, and the Prophet ﷺ told him to leave them, because he had put them on while in a state of purity, then wiped over them (Sahih al-Bukhari 206).
- Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) reported that the Prophet ﷺ set the time limit at three days and nights for the traveler and one day and night for the resident (Sahih Muslim 276).
- Ali (RA) also said that if religion were based on opinion, the underside of the khuff would be more fitting to wipe than its top, yet he saw the Rasool ﷺ wipe the top (Sunan Abi Dawud 162).
Because so many Companions reported this practice, scholars across the Sunni schools accept wiping over leather khuffain as an established Sunnah.
Conditions for valid masah
- Full wudu first. Put the socks on only after completing wudu, including washing both feet.
- They cover the washed area. The footwear should cover the feet up to and including the ankles.
- Pure (tahir) material. The socks themselves must be free of najasah.
- Only for minor impurity. Masah replaces washing the feet in wudu. It does not apply when ghusl is required, such as after janabah; then you remove them and bathe.
- Within the time limit. One day and night (24 hours) for a resident; three days and nights (72 hours) for a traveler.
How to perform masah step by step
- Make wudu as usual: intention, hands, mouth, nose, face, arms, wiping the head and ears.
- Instead of washing the feet, wet your hands with fresh water.
- Place the wet fingers of your right hand on the toes of your right sock and draw them up over the top of the foot toward the shin, once.
- Do the same for the left foot with your left hand.
- Wipe only the top; there is no need to wipe the sole or heel.
A single wipe over each foot is enough. You do not need to soak the socks. If you are new to the full sequence of wudu and prayer, review our step-by-step guide on how to perform Salah.
When the permission starts and ends
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Resident time limit | One day and night (24 hours) |
| Traveler time limit | Three days and nights (72 hours) |
| When does the clock start? | Scholars differ: many count from the first time wudu breaks after putting the socks on; others count from the first wipe. |
| What ends it? | Removing the socks, the time limit running out, or anything that requires ghusl. |
| If the time ends while you still have wudu? | Many scholars say renew wudu and wash the feet; follow the view of your school or local imam. |
Travelers can combine this concession with shortening prayers; see our guide to praying Salah while traveling, Qasr and combining.
Can you wipe over ordinary cotton or wool socks?
This is where the schools differ, so it deserves care. Wiping over leather khuffain is agreed upon. For cloth socks (jawrab), the traditional Hanafi, Shafi’i and Maliki positions generally require them to be thick and sturdy, close to leather in quality (for example, firm enough to walk in and not letting water seep straight through). The Hanbali school and a number of later scholars take a broader view and allow wiping over thicker cloth socks, and some contemporary scholars permit regular socks.
A practical approach: many Muslims in cold climates buy leather “masah socks” or thick waterproof socks that meet the stricter conditions, which removes any doubt. If you rely on thin socks, ask a qualified scholar or your local Masjid imam which view they follow, and stay consistent. For broader rules of purity, read cleanliness and purification in Islam.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do masah if I put my socks on without wudu?
No. The Prophet ﷺ allowed wiping because he had put them on in a state of purity, so you must have complete wudu before wearing them.
Does taking off my socks break my wudu?
It ends your masah. Scholars differ on whether the wudu itself remains; many advise washing the feet or renewing wudu before the next Salah to be safe.
Do women follow the same rules?
Yes. The conditions, method and time limits are the same for men and women.
Can I wipe over socks with a small hole?
Many scholars overlook small, everyday holes, while others set limits on their size. If a sock is badly torn, replace it or wash your feet instead.
This guide is general education. For personal rulings, consult a qualified scholar. You can also read the narrations directly on Sunnah.com.
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