What is the ruling on wiping over sheer socks? I noticed that some people wear socks made of thin material that allows water to reach the skin underneath. Is it permissible to wipe over such socks during ablution and then pray in them?

The majority of scholars hold that wiping over socks is permissible provided that they are reinforced, can be walked in, and are worn while one is in a state of ablution. They base this ruling on the hadith of Al-Mughira ibn Shu’bah (may Allah be pleased with him) who said, “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) wiped over socks and sandals” (recorded by Ahmad Abu Dawud and at-Tirmidhi who grades it as authentic). Nevertheless, the majority of scholars limited the scope of the hadith’s general wording in light of the hadiths on khuffs (leather socks), thereby requiring socks to meet the conditions required for khuffs.

Conversely, some Hanbali scholars, and later scholars such as al-Qasimi and Ahmad Shaker, follow the apparent meaning of the hadith and permit wiping over socks without restrictions, whether the socks are sheer or otherwise.

 

The ruling

Wiping over sheer socks is prohibited according to the majority of scholars, although some scholars permit it.

And Allah Almighty knows best.