015 Al-Shama'il al-Muhammadiyya || The Footwear of the Prophet ﷺ || Nedal Ayoubi
The episode explores the footwear of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ through authentic hadiths and scholarly commentary, revealing profound lessons in humility, etiquette, and spiritual discipline. Central to the discussion is the Prophet’s practice of wearing leather socks (khuf) and sandals (na'al), including his immediate use of gifts—such as black khuf from the Ethiopian king—after receiving them, demonstrating gratitude and joy in giving. The episode emphasizes that wiping over khuf during wudu is permissible if they remain pure, a key legal ruling derived from the Prophet’s actions. Detailed descriptions of the sandals—featuring two ribbons (kibbalan) and upper straps, made from tanned cowhide (sibti), and often self-repaired—highlight his hands-on humility. The narration also covers the sunnah of wearing both sandals or removing both, avoiding the symbolic imbalance of walking with one shoe, which is linked to notions of justice, dignity, and even spiritual alignment. The episode concludes with the Prophet’s consistent preference for the right side when putting on shoes, a ritual reflecting broader Islamic principles of honor and order in daily acts. Beyond the physical details, the episode underscores how the Prophet’s modesty—mending his own sandals, walking barefoot out of humility, and having Abdullah ibn Mas'ud care for his footwear—serves as a model for simplicity and service.
Wiping over khuf (leather socks) during wudu is permissible if they remain pure, as demonstrated by the Prophet ﷺ wearing gifted khuf immediately after receiving them.
The Prophet ﷺ wore sandals made from tanned cowhide (sibti), which had two ribbons (kibbalan) and upper straps, designed to fit his second toe and support his foot.
He mended his own sandals and clothes, embodying humility and self-reliance, as narrated in multiple authentic hadiths.
It is sunnah to wear both sandals or remove both at once—never walk with only one shoe, as it is considered unbalanced, unattractive, and spiritually inappropriate.
When putting on sandals, begin with the right foot; when removing, start with the left—reflecting the right’s honor in acts of adornment and worship.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction to the Series on the Shama'il
The episode opens with the introduction to the series 'The Perfect Example,' focusing on the physical and spiritual characteristics of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, specifically his footwear.
The Khuf (Leather Socks) of the Prophet ﷺ
“As soon as he received them sallallahu alaihi wasallam he tried them on performed wudu' and then wiped over them”
The Sunnah of Accepting Gifts Promptly
The Prophet’s immediate use of gifts teaches believers to accept and use them quickly to make the giver happy, emphasizing gratitude and social harmony.
The Three Types of Prophet’s Sandals
Ibn Sa'd narrates three distinct types of sandals the Prophet ﷺ wore: narrow in the middle, with ankle support, and with a long front piece shaped to fit his second toe.
The Design and Symbolism of the Sandals
“Each sandal had two kibbalan. And Az-Ibn Hajar al-Haythami said, Kibbalan are two ribbons or two straps?”
“Be different from the Jews, for they do not pray wearing their shoes or their hoofs.”
“One should not wear one shoe and walk. Either wear them both or remove them both.”
“the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam used to sew the leather sole into his sandals by himself as reported in the hadith that Imam Ahmad rahimuhullah collected in his musnad.”
Host
Guest
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
person
Nedal Ayoubi
person
Sahih Muslim
book
Sheikh Al-Albani
person
Sahih al-Bukhari
book
Shaykh Abd al-Razak al-Badr
person
Abu Huraira
person
Imam al-Tirmidhi
person
Shaykh Abd al-Zak al-Badr
person
Abdullah ibn Mas'ud
person
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime