jnawaz%skat.usc.edu@usc.edu (Jemshed Nawaz) (09/29/90)
Where The Schools (Madhahib) Differ? ------------------------------------ Hanbaliyyah consider Massah, as opposed to washing feet, superior to washing feet, superior because Allah likes His people to accept those conveniences that He provided in His religion. Some Hanafiyyah also concur wit this opinion. In Imam Malik's opinion, Massah is valid only if done on socks made of leather (Khuffs), while Imam Shaf'i thinks Massah on socks is permissible if done along with shoes. Imam Abu Yusuf and Muhammad are of the opinion that Massah can be done on thick socks only. Abu Hanifah did not regard Massah on socks permissible, but he is reported to have been convinced of its validity three days before his death. According to Shaf'iyyah and Hanbaliyyah if the socks carry holes, Massah cannot be done. Malikiyyah are of the view that Massah will not be valid if the hole in the sock is more than one-third of the size of the foot. Hanafiyyah allow Massah on the socks provided the hole is of a size not larger than three small foot-fingers. If there are holes at differnt places in the same sock and these holes exceed the size of three fingers, Massah will not be valid; however, combining the holes of the two socks is not permissible. About the prior condition of ablution for Massah, Malikiyyah, Shaf'iyah and Hanbaliyyah concur. Hanafiyyah, however, maintain that it suffices if before puttuing on one's sock, one's feet are washed and clean. The state of ablution is not called for. The differnce owes to the wording of the hadith which says interalia,"....I put them on while I was clean." Both implications are, therefore, possible. Jemshed Nawaz