Islamic Education Website

Definition of Khuff

Khuff refers to footwear that covers the feet up to and including the ankles, usually made of leather or similar material, and suitable for walking.

Ruling on Wiping over the Khuffayn

Wiping over the khuffayn is a concession (rukhsah) granted by Islamic law. It is permitted for both men and women, whether:

In summer or winter
While traveling or residing at home
In normal health or illness

This wiping replaces washing the feet during wuḍū’ (ablution).

Evidence for the Permissibility of Wiping over the Khuffayn

It is reported from ʿUrwah ibn al-Mughīrah (raḍiyallāhu ʿanhu):

“I saw the Prophet ﷺ urinate, then perform wuḍū’, and he wiped over his khuffayn.”

(Narrated by al-Bukhārī and Muslim)

Conditions for Wiping over the Khuffayn

Wiping over the khuffayn is valid only if the following conditions are fulfilled:

1. The Khuffayn Must Be Worn after Completing Wuḍū’

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Leave them on, for I put them on while my feet were in a state of purity.”

This indicates that the khuffayn must be worn after a complete and valid wuḍū’.

2. The Khuffayn Must Cover the Entire Area Required to Be Washed

They must fully cover the feet from the toes up to and including the ankles.
If they do not cover this area completely, they are not considered valid khuffayn.

3. The Khuffayn Must Prevent Water from Reaching the Feet

They must be water-resistant, except for minimal stitching that does not allow water to penetrate.

4. The Khuffayn Must Be Durable and Suitable for Walking

They must be strong enough to allow normal walking and remain intact for the permitted duration.

Duration Allowed for Wiping over the Khuffayn

Islam specifies the following time limits:

For a resident (non-traveler):
One day and one night (24 hours)
For a traveler:
Three days and three nights (72 hours)

This is established from authentic prophetic traditions.

When the Time Period Begins

The time period begins from the first wipe after breaking wuḍū’, not from when the khuffayn were worn.

Example:

Wuḍū’ is performed
Khuffayn are worn
Wuḍū’ is later invalidated
Wuḍū’ is performed again and the khuffayn are wiped
➡ This is when the time period starts

Method of Wiping over the Khuffayn

Wiping is done only on the upper surface of the khuffayn
The bottom or heel is not wiped

Procedure:

Wet the fingers of the right hand
Wipe from the toes upward toward the shin
Repeat for the other foot

A very minimal wipe is insufficient; the wiping should be clearly visible, following the Sunnah.

Actions That Invalidate Wiping over the Khuffayn

1. Removing the Khuffayn

Removing both khuffayn
Or removing one of them

In such cases, washing the feet becomes obligatory again.

2. Expiry of the Allowed Time

When the time limit ends:

If wuḍū’ is still valid → khuffayn must be removed and feet washed
If wuḍū’ is invalid → a new wuḍū’ is required and the khuffayn must be worn again

3. Occurrence of Major Ritual Impurity (Janābah)

Such as:

Sexual intercourse
Wet dreams

In this case, wiping is no longer valid, and the khuffayn must be removed. Washing the feet is required because wiping only substitutes foot-washing in wuḍū’, not ghusl (major ritual bath).

Summary of the Ruling on Wiping over the Khuffayn

Wiping over the khuffayn is a mercy and ease from Allah
It replaces washing the feet during wuḍū’ under valid conditions
Only the upper part of the khuffayn is wiped
It is limited to a specific time period
It becomes invalid if the khuffayn are removed, the time expires, or janābah occurs

Wiping over Leather Socks Covering the Ankles (Khuff)