Wiping Over Construction Boots and Combining Dhuhr with Asr at Work
Question
is it allowed to wipe on construction boot in wudu time?
3)my break time in duhur time so when shut it down asar praye will be too late can do with duhur everday at work?
Answer
Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain.
1) Wiping Over Construction Boots in Wudu
1. The Shari Context
Wiping over footwear in place of washing the feet is established in the Sunnah. The Prophet ﷺ wiped over his khuffayn (leather socks). This is reported in numerous authentic narrations in Sahih al Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.
The concession applies when:
- One puts the footwear on in a state of complete wudu.
- The footwear covers the area that must be washed (the foot including the ankles).
- It can be walked in normally.
2. Scholarly Discussion
The four madhahib agree on wiping over leather khuff. They differed on wiping over other types of footwear.
Hanafi and Hanbali scholars allow wiping over footwear that:
- Covers the ankles,
- Is durable,
- Can be walked in independently,
even if not leather.
Maliki and Shafii scholars were stricter, often requiring leather or material similar to it, though many contemporary scholars extend permissibility to strong, durable footwear that resembles khuff in function.
Modern juristic councils commonly allow wiping over durable work boots that:
- Cover the ankles,
- Stay firmly in place,
- Were worn after full wudu.
3. Application to Construction Boots
If your construction boots:
- Cover the ankles,
- Were put on after complete wudu,
- Remain in place without falling off,
Then wiping over them is permissible according to many contemporary scholars, especially in cases of hardship.
The wiping period is:
- 24 hours for a resident,
- 72 hours for a traveler,
starting from the first nullification of wudu after wearing them.
4. Relevant Usul Principle
المشقة تجلب التيسير
Hardship brings facilitation
In physically demanding environments like construction work, removing heavy boots repeatedly may cause hardship. Sharia allows wiping as a concession.
Final Ruling
It is permissible to wipe over construction boots if they cover the ankles, were worn after complete wudu, and are durable. The concession applies within the established time limits.