173 – Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “If one of you steps in filth with his two khuffs, the earth will purify them.” It was recorded by Abū Dāwūd, and Ibn Ḥibbān declared it authentic. (1)

Status of the ḥadith:
The report is weak, yet it possesses several supporting chains that strengthen one another, making it acceptable as evidence. It was also narrated by Ibn al-Sakan, al-Ḥākim (1/271), and al-Bayhaqī (2/430) from Abu Hurayrah with weak isnāds. Other narrations on the same subject exist with similarly weak chains, but collectively they reinforce one another. Al-Shawkānī said: “These various reports fortify each other and are therefore sufficient proof that a shoe is cleansed by rubbing it on the ground, whether the ground is moist or dry.”

Vocabulary:
• waṭiʾa – from the form faʿila; it means “to tread” or “to step on.”
• bi-khuffayhi – dual of khuff, a thin leather covering worn on the foot.
• ṭahūruhumā – with a fathah on the ṭāʾ: that by which purification is achieved.
• turāb – with a ḍammah on the initial tāʾ: the fine dust of the earth.

Points derived from the ḥadith:
1 – The term adha (“offense” or “harm”) here signifies ritual impurity, though it may also include other repulsive substances that are not technically impure. The context shows that impurity is intended, for the Prophet ﷺ said, “the earth will purify them,” and purification in the Sharīʿah is required only from impurity.