In this post, we turn to something often overlooked yet deeply misunderstood topic which is about Footwear (sandals, shoes)
A Surprising Reality
In many societies today, Footwear is treated as low, dirty and disrespectful thing.
People say:
- “I will beat you with a slipper”
- “He was hit with a shoe — what humiliation!”
But we must ask: Is this how Islam views footwear?
Islamic Perspective: A Clear Correction
In Islam a shoe is simply a part of clothing just like shirt, cap or another garment. There is nothing inherently impure, shameful and dishonorable about footwear
Then, Where Did the Negative View Come From?
This idea about footwear is “low” or “insulting” is not from Islam rather a cultural construction
Over time, societies attached emotion, created symbolism, and built layers of exaggeration, until eventually they transformed a simple object into a tool of insult.
Evidence from the Companions
There was an incident among the companions where a disagreement occurred, and it escalated into physical confrontation
What happened was they struck each other using hands, sandals and other available objects. This shows clearly that using footwear was no different from using the hand. If sandals were disgraceful and dishonoring then the companions would never use them so naturally
Another Powerful Example: Punishment of Drunkards
When a person committed intoxication, The Prophet ﷺ ordered punishment.
How did the companions carry it out?
- Some used hands
- Some used garments
- Some used sandals
No one said: “Do not use sandals—it is disrespectful.” Why? Because there was no such concept
The Core Principle here is:
✔ A sandal is just a tool
✔ The intention defines the act
✔ The object itself is neutral
Breaking a Deep Social Illusion
Today, if someone is hit with a shoe people react more strongly than being hit with a hand
Why? Because society has redefined meaning, but Islam restores us to the original simplicity
A Profound Incident: The Sandals of the Prophet ﷺ
The Prophet ﷺ once removed his sandals and gave them to a companion and said: “Go and convey this message.”
Why give sandals? because it acts as a proof of authenticity
Imagine this today, if someone invites you to a wedding and says: “Take my sandal as proof I sent you”
How would it feel? Strange and even insulting. But at that time, it was normal, acceptable and meaningful
This Reveals a Powerful Truth that the companions did not see sandals as a dirty symbol or an object of insult. They saw them as an ordinary item
The Story of Abu Hurairah and Umar (RA)
When Abu Hurairah carried the Prophet’s sandals as proof of a message, he met Umar (RA). Umar questioned the message and not the sandals which again proves that No stigma was attached
There was even a companion who became known as: “The one who carried the Prophet’s sandals”. This was not considered as mockery or insult but an honor
Reflect deeply: If sandals were disgraceful, would this title be honorable? Never.
Another Dimension: Sacred Use of Sandals
In the rituals of Hajj, Animals sent for sacrifice (Hadi) were marked with sandals tied around their necks. This signified:
- Sacred purpose
- Protected status
- Religious dedication
Now ask yourself: Would something “impure” or “disgraceful” be used as a symbol of sacred offering? Impossible. This elevates our understanding that Sandals were functional, symbolic and respectable
The Prophet ﷺ and Daily Life
At home the Prophetﷺ repaired his own sandals and maintained them himself. This teaches us about the concept of simplicity, humility and practical living.
He did not say: “I am a Messenger—I will not touch footwear.”
Instead: He lived like a human with dignity and humility.
A Misguided Modern Practice
Today, people say to remove footwear before entering certain places like memorials and public sites and they treat these places as “too sacred for footwear” but Islam teaches something very different.
A Striking Reality
The Prophet ﷺ informed: When a person is buried, He hears the footsteps of those leaving and those footsteps include sandals which means people wore footwear even in graveyards
Now reflect deeply: If burial grounds the place of death and hereafter allows footwear then what justifies banning it elsewhere?
A Logical Challenge
If footwear is removed because “It may carry dirt” then what about Bare feet that step on the same ground?
Would we cut off feet? Of course not. This exposes inconsistency
Islam Is Not Built on Superstition. It is built on Logic, Cleanliness and Practicality and not:
❌ Symbolism without basis
❌ Cultural exaggeration
❌ Emotional distortion
The True Rule About Footwear Islam teaches is:
- If it is dirty → clean it
- If it is clean → use it
That’s all. No exaggeration. No complication.
Final Summary
From the above illustrations we came to know that:
✔ Footwear is part of clothing
✔ It is not inherently impure or insulting
✔ Companions used it naturally—even in conflict
✔ The Prophet ﷺ used it as proof and handled it personally
✔ It was used as a sacred symbol in Hajj
✔ No stigma existed in early Islam
✔ Modern negative views are cultural—not religious
✔ Islam promotes simplicity and logic
Closing Reflection
Things today we consider “religious” are actually just cultural distortions and things that Islam made simple have been turned into something complicated
Do not:
- Turn simplicity into superstition
- Turn culture into religion
- Turn objects into symbols of pride or shame
Because Islam came to liberate the mind—not burden it
May Allahﷻ grant us:
- Clear understanding
- Freedom from cultural distortions
- And adherence to true guidance
Peace be upon you, and the mercy and blessings of Allahﷻ.