Fatwa

WuduGear Ultra Thin Wudhu Socks

Fatwa #388 Category: Miscellaneous Country: United States Date: 16th March 2020
Fatwa #388 Date: 16th March 2020
Category: Miscellaneous
Country: United States

Question

As salaamu alaykum wr wb

Dear respected Mufti Saheb,

Firstly, I would like to say Jazakallah for your assistance in previously validating masah to be permissible on our Wudu Gear socks, which has so far helped tens of thousands of Muslims in the US and Canada in their ability to make wudhu easier, especially when outside of the home.

I am including samples of our new Wudhu socks from Wudu Gear for your examination to validate if masah on these socks is also permissible.

The previous versions which we sent in 2014 were under the brand DexShell and we were not in full control of the material used during production. What we saw was that they had recently replaced some of the material without our consent, and we as a Muslim owned company want to remain very cautious regarding this matter. They have now discontinued their Wudhu socks model and are no longer marketing for the Muslim market once current supply is expended.

So we have included the prototypes of our latest versions of our socks. They are thinner, lighter, have a softer feeling, and better moisture wicking capabilities as well. Given the cost of the socks we want the consumers to know they are getting top quality. If this model is approved we will continue production under our own supervision and brand. 

Also to address the concern of when making Masah on our socks in public, they should be seen as something unique, not just an ordinary sock. The new version, once in full production, will come in a variety of colors and say “WuduGear” on the side below ankle, so onlookers know they are not regular socks. It will not show while wearing shoes, but will help avoid potential misconceptions during masah.

 The sample provided is the thinnest and lightest model of Wudhu socks, with the best moisture wicking capability through its natural capillary action using rayon. Because of its light and thin properties, we want to make sure that it passes the “walk long distance without tearing” (3.4 miles) test.

The quality, durability and waterproof features of our socks continue to exceed that of Sealskinz. They are a superior product by which the lamination technology processes make the triple layer go unnoticed creating highly breathable functionality.

Our company is run by an alimah and three students of ilm who refer back to the Ulema for all operational aspects of the company. More information on our company is available at www.wudugear.com

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

For the permissibility of making Masah (wiping) on non-leather socks, it is imperative that the socks fulfil all the conditions that are necessary for making Masah (wiping) on leather socks. After thoroughly studying the inherent qualities of leather socks, our illustrious Fuqāhā’ have suggested that non-leather socks should resemble leather socks in the following:

  1. They should cover both the ankles entirely.
  2. They should be durable enough that a person can walk with the sock for three miles without them tearing to the extent of three small toes.
  3. Both socks should be independently free from holes to the extent of three small toes.
  4. The socks should remain on the leg without being tied or fastened.
  5. They should be such that water does not seep through them when water is poured over them.[1]

 

We have examined and physically tested the new WuduGear Ultra Thin Wudu Socks referred to in the question. After conducting a durability test on them by walking the necessary three Shar’ī miles, as well as conducting a water resistance test and a test to ascertain whether the socks are able to stand on the legs without being fastened or tied,[2] we are satisfied with the results and deem them to be fit for Masah (wiping over) during Wudhu. Hence, it is permissible to use them as alternatives to leather socks.

These socks were tested on 04/07/2019.

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

 

Mufti Nabeel Valli.

 

Darul Iftaa Mahmudiyyah,

Lusaka, Zambia

daruliftaazambia.com

______________________

[1]   المحيط البرهاني في الفقه النعماني (1/ 344) [المجلس العلمي]

وإن كان ثخيناً مستمسكاً ويستر الكعب ستراً لا يراه الناظر كما هو جوارب أهل مرو، فعلى قول أبي حنيفة رحمه الله: لا يجوز المسح عليه، إلا إذا كان منعلاً أو مبطناً، وعلى قولهما: يجوز.

 

الفتاوى الهندية (1/ 32) [إمدادية]

وَالثَّخِينِ الذي ليس مُجَلَّدًا وَلَا مُنَعَّلًا بِشَرْطِ أَنْ يَسْتَمْسِكَ على السَّاقِ بِلَا رَبْطٍ وَلَا يُرَى ما تَحْتَهُ وَعَلَيْهِ الْفَتْوَى كَذَا في النَّهْرِ الْفَائِقِ

 

الدر المختار وحاشية ابن عابدين (رد المحتار) (1/ 269) [أيج ايم سعيد]

قال الحصكفي: (الثخينين) بحيث يمشي فرسخا ويثبت على الساق ولا يرى ما تحته ولا يشف إلا أن ينفذ إلى الخف قدر الغرض.

قال ابن عابدين: (قوله على الثخينين) أي اللذين ليسا مجلدين ولا منعلين نهر، وهذا التقييد مستفاد من عطف ما بعده عليه، وبه يعلم أنه نعت للجوربين فقط كما هو صريح عبارة الكنز.

 

[2]  This includes cutting off the top elastic that generally holds a sock onto the calves.