What is a logical answer to a revert as to why is Masah made on top of the Khuff?

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

Respected Sister,

A revert to Islam should be counselled that Almighty Allah is Al-Hakeem (The Wise). Every order of Allah Ta’ala in Shari’ah has wisdom in it. That is irrespective of our understanding of the wisdom or not. It is sufficient for us to understand that we have submitted to the order of Allah Ta’ala who is Al-Hakeem.

Nevertheless, the ruling of making masah on leather socks is based on concession and ease.

The actual order is to wash the feet. However, Shari’ah considers circumstances and grants concession due to the circumstances.

In some places, it is extremely cold and washing the feet may be difficult. Likewise, when travelling, especially in the aeroplane etc, it is difficult to actually wash the feet.

Hence, Shari’ah has advised to wash the feet prior to wearing the leather socks. Hence, the feet have already been washed. If one breaks his wudhu, Shari’ah permits the person to make masah on the leather socks as a form of concession and substitute to washing the feet. This is similar to one having a plaster on one’s hand. It would suffice for one to make masah on the plaster due to his injury.

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best

Abdullah Noorgat

Student Darul Ifta

South Africa

Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.

(2020-06-29)