Difficulty Washing Feet in Wudu Due to Pregnancy

Answered by Ustadh Salman Younas

Question: When I am at work most time I need to do wudu before I pray. I am pregnant at the moment and now I find it difficult to lift my foot to the sink to wash it. Can I simply wipe my feet with wet hand? I cannot wear leather socks. Is it okay to wear normal cotton sock and wipe over them?

Answer: assalamu `alaykum

I pray you are well.

You do not have to lift your foot to the sink in order to wash your feet for wudu. You can simply pour water on your feet, or submerge your feet in water present within some a container or bucket. You should try your best to wash your feet in a manner that causes as little discomfort as possible.

It would also be permissible to wear cotton socks and wipe on them provided they are thick and fulfill the conditions required for valid footgear. These conditions include: (a) that the socks cover the whole foot, including the ankles, (b) that the sock prevent water from immediately reaching the skin underneath when wiped on with a wet hand, (c) that one be able to walk in the socks for roughly three miles, which is something reasonably concluded based on the thickness and strength of material of the socks.

Please also see: Can a Pregnant Woman Make Tayammum if Doing Wudu is Difficult and Painful?

Salman

Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani