Does ablution become invalid soon after the wiping period is over?
Fatwa No: 26341

Question

Does ablution become invalid upon removing the Khuff (leather socks) or socks during the validity period for wiping over them, or should only the feet be washed?

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

Ablution does not become invalid upon the removal of Khuff or socks as long as they have been removed during the period when they can be wiped during ablution (instead of washing the feet) as prescribed by Sharee‘ah: one day and one night for the one at home,  and three nights for the traveling person.

Please note that if you remove the Khuff or socks you must wash your feet if you want to maintain the validity of your ablution, according to the majority of scholars.

However, Shaykh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah adopts the view that one doesn't have to immediately wash the feet to maintain ablution. The ablution of the person who removes Khuff or socks continues to be valid until it is nullified (by any of the known ablution nullifiers) or the above-mentioned validity period is over. This view seems to be more significant even if it is supported by a few scholars.

Allaah Knows best.

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