Question
I would like to know, what is the time limit for wiping on socks for Wudu, without washing the feet? Please explain whether the time limit, as mentioned in the number of hadiths, is a part of Sunnah
Regards
Answer
Wiping over socks during ablution if one has worn these socks in a state of such ablution in which he had washed his feet, is, in fact, the Prophet’s extension of the spirit of the allowance given in the Qur’an of allowing tayammum under conditions of difficulty. The time limit allowed for this allowance is also not a part of the Shari`ah. On the contrary, it seems to be the determination by the Prophet (pbuh) of a reasonable time for taking advantage of this relief for a resident person as well as for a traveler.
It was only reasonable that such a relief be allowed for one day, so that every person performs the complete wudu at least once during the day. On the other hand, even though a traveler, by his very nature, may deserve a slightly extended relief, yet a very prolonged extension would be against the natural sense of cleanness in a person. Thus, the Prophet (pbuh) suggested that a traveler may benefit from this relief for a period of three days.
I hope this helps.
Fond regards,
Moiz Amjad
October 20, 2003