Wiping Footgear (Khuff)

Khuffs is permissible for men and women while traveling or residing. It should be noted that it is not valid to wipe a turban, cap, face veil or gloves.

Requirements for Khuffs to Qualify:

  1. Must cover both ankles
  2. Made of a thick material
  3. Remain on the foot without having to be tied
  4. Completely cover the foot: must cover the sides of the foot, but what is seen from above is not mandatory
  5. One can walk a distance of at least 3.48 miles (5.6 km)
  6. Water impermeable, meaning at time of wiping water does not seep through

Requirements for Khuffs in order to be Worn:

  1. One must have completed wudhu before its nullification or, have washed the two feet, put the khuffs on then completed wudhu (completion may be done at a later time)
  2. A resident may wipe for 24 hours; a traveller for 72 hours
    • The time period begins at the time wudhu is nullified
  3. Wiping must be done with at minimum the person’s three smallest fingers at the top of each khuff
  4. Must be free from holes that combined are smaller then the three smallest toes (per sock, so if one sock had a hole that was 2 two toes in size and the other sock and an identical sized hole, the khuffs would be permissible to wear.

Sunnah of Wiping Khuffs:

  1. Wiping from the beginning of the toes, with fingers spread to the shin

Following Invalidate Wiping over Khuffs:

  1. Any condition that would break wudhu/ghusl
  2. Taking off the khuff, even one
  3. Expiration of the time period (unless a reasonable sound reason to keep them on, such as extremely cold weather)
  4. The foot mostly leaves the khuff