Wiping over the socks

Q: Is it permissible to wipe over the socks when it is too cold without taking them off for a day and a night?

A: All praise be to Allah Alone, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger, and his family and Companions. It is permissible to wipe over the socks if they are thick enough that they do not reveal the skin and cover the parts required to be washed during Wudu’ (ablution). A resident is permitted to wipe over the socks for a night and day, while a traveler is permitted to do so for three days and nights. This time is calculated starting from wiping after the occurrence of ceremonial impurity. The basic principle is taken from the Hadith narrated by Muslim on the authority of ‘Aly (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “For a traveler three days and their nights, and for a resident a day and a night.” It was also narrated by Ahmad and others, and Al-Tirmidhy classed it as Sahih (authentic) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) “...Wiped over the socks and the shoes.” There is no harm in wearing two or more socks after being in a total state of Taharah (ritual purification), based on the general meaning of the Hadiths.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.