Are See-Through or Partly Transparent Socks Permissible in Prayer?
Question
Salaam alaikum warahmatuLlah wabarakaatu.
Is prayer invalid if I wear see-through socks or socks that are partly transparent (the top is transparent but the middle and bottom are not transparent)?
Answer
Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain.
1. The Shar‘i Context
Covering the ‘awrah is a condition for the validity of salah according to consensus. The covering must be opaque enough to prevent the color of the skin from showing.
2. The Madhahib
According to the Hanafi madhhab, a woman’s feet are not considered ‘awrah in prayer, so the prayer remains valid even if the feet are visible or covered by thin or partly transparent socks.
As for the Maliki, Shafii, and Hanbali madhahib, they all hold that a woman’s feet are ‘awrah in prayer and must be covered with opaque material that hides the color of the skin.
3. Usul Principle
المشقة تجلب التيسير
Hardship brings about ease.
This means that when a matter becomes difficult to avoid, the Sharia allows the easier valid opinion within the bounds of the schools of fiqh.
4. Practical Application
In modern times, many types of socks for women are slightly see-through or made of thin fabric, making it difficult to find fully opaque ones. Therefore, following the Hanafi opinion has become the practical choice adopted by many contemporary fatwa councils due to this widespread hardship.
Final Ruling
While the Maliki, Shafii, and Hanbali schools require full opaque covering of the feet during prayer, the Hanafi madhhab does not. Given the difficulty of avoiding thin or partly transparent socks today, it is permissible to adopt the Hanafi view, and the prayer is valid with such socks.
And Allah knows best.