What is the ruling on wiping over the foot during ablution with the intention of washing it, for fear of revealing one's abandonment of an innovative madhhab?
Congratulations on returning to the madhhab of the Sunnis and the Community (Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah). Washing the feet is one of the pillars of ablution (wudu'), and this is indicated by verses from the Qur'an, authentic hadiths, and the sayings of scholars. Therefore, you must wash them. If you are unable to do so, you may wear socks and wipe over them, or perform tayammum (dry ablution) in some cases. If you are unable to do any of that, your prayer is still valid, based on the Almighty's saying: "So fear Allah as much as you are able." (Qur'an 64:16) If you are unable to perform the rituals of your religion, then it is obligatory for you to leave your family and go to a place where you can feel secure regarding yourself and your religion.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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