'When we were traveling, Allah's Messenger would order us not to remove our Khuff for three days and nights, except for Janabah, but not for defecating, urinating, and sleep."
Narrated by Safwan bin Assal narrated:
Context
In this hadith, Safwan bin Assal narrates that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ instructed his companions during travel not to remove their Khuff (leather socks) for three days and nights, except in cases of major impurity. This guidance emphasizes the importance of maintaining a state of purity while on a journey, allowing for ease in performing ablution without the need to remove footwear frequently.
Modern Application
In today's context, this principle can be applied when performing wudu while traveling. Many people find it inconvenient to remove their shoes in public restrooms or during travel, so understanding the allowance to wipe over Khuff can facilitate maintaining cleanliness and ease in fulfilling religious obligations.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Prayer and Purification (Wudu/Taharah) because it addresses the practice of maintaining purity and the method of performing wudu while traveling.
O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles. And if you are in a state of janabah, then purify yourselves. But if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the place of relieving himself or you have contacted women and do not find water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and hands with it. Allah does not intend to make difficulty for you, but He intends to purify you and complete His favor upon you that you may be grateful.
O you who have believed, do not approach prayer while you are intoxicated until you know what you are saying or in a state of janabah, except those passing through [a place of prayer], until you have washed [your whole body]. And if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the place of relieving himself or you have contacted women and find no water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and your hands [with it]. Indeed, Allah is ever Pardoning and Forgiving.
O you who have believed, let those whom your right hands possess and those who have not [yet] reached puberty among you ask permission of you [before entering] at three times: before the dawn prayer and when you put aside your clothing [for rest] at noon and after the night prayer. [These are] three times of privacy for you. There is no blame upon you nor upon them beyond these [periods], for they continually circulate among you - some of you, among others. Thus does Allah make clear to you the verses; and Allah is Knowing and Wise.
And remember Allah during [specific] numbered days. Then whoever hastens [his departure] in two days - there is no sin upon him; and whoever delays [until the third] - there is no sin upon him - for him who fears Allah. And fear Allah and know that unto Him you will be gathered.
And abide in your houses and do not display yourselves as [was] the display of the former times of ignorance. And establish prayer and give zakah and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah intends only to remove from you the impurity [of sin], O people of the [Prophet's] household, and to purify you with [extensive] purification.