MASAH ON SOCKS & WIPING THE BANDAGE

MAS-H ON SOCKS (wiping the socks with wet hands)

Q.   On what kinds of Socks is Mas-h (wiping with wet hands) permissible?

·        Mas-h is permissible on three kind of Socks:

(1)   Socks made of leather which cover the feet upto ankle.

(2)   Such woolen or cotton socks which have a leather sole.

(3)   Such woolen or cotton socks which are so thick that they would not be torn if one walks wearing these socks a distance of three or four miles.

Q.   When is Mas-h permissible on socks?

·        Mas-h is performed on socks to renew the ablution provided the socks have been on since the feet were last washed in ablution.

Q.   For how many days is Mash permissible to be performed on socks once put on?

·        A person on station can continue to do the Mas-h for a day and night. A person on journey can continue to do it for three days and nights.

Q.   What is the way to perform Mas-h on socks?

·        Mas-h must be performed on the upper part of the feet. Doing Mas-h on the soles or heels is not permissible.

Q.   Is Mas-h on socks permissible in both, ablution and bath?

·        Mas-h on socks is allowed to be performed in ablution, but not in bath.

Q.   What is the right method to perform Mas-h?

·        The proper way to do Mas-h is to wet the fingers of one’s hands, cover the toes with three fingers and draw them up towards the ankle’s fingers in their full length should be used for the purpose. Tips of the fingers only will not suffice.

Q.   Is Mas-h allowed on torn socks?

·        Mas-h is not permissible on socks which are torn out to the extent that foot is open equivalent to three small fingers of the foot or it may open to the same extent in walking. If the tear is less, it is permissible.

WIPING THE BANDAGE (Mas-h on Jabirah)

Q.   What is Jabirah ?

·        Jabirah, literally is a flat piece of wood used as bandage for the cure of a fractured bone. But here the term applies to a piece of wood or cotton with ointment applied on it, for the wound.

Q.   What are the injunctions of Islam about the Mas-h on such piece of wood, bandage or cotton?

·        If the removal of this piece of wood, bandage or cotton is harmful for the wound or causes pain, Mas-h is permissible on it.

Q.   On what part of the bandage is Mas-h to be done?

·        Mas-h must be done on the whole length of the bandage whether or not it covers the wound.

Q.   What is the injunction if no pain or harm is likely to be caused by removing the bandage?

·        Washing is compulsory if no harm or pain is likely to be caused to the wound. In case washing the wound is likely to cause harm or pain, but not so the wiping of it, the latter (wiping or Mas-h) may be done. If however, washing and wiping the wound are likely to give pain or do harm, Mas-h on bandage is permissible.