Q: Is it permissible to offer Salah in footwear while in Masjids (Mosques) that are furnished with carpets?

A: Offering Salah while wearing footwear that are ritually clean is an act of the Sunnah. It has been related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim on the authority of Abu Salamah Sa`id ibn Zayd that he asked Anas, Did the Prophet (peace be upon him) use to offer Salah while wearing shoes. He replied, "Yes." (Part No. 6; Page No. 215) Similarly, it has been related by Abu Dawud on the authority of Shaddad ibn Aws (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, Be different from the Jews, for they do not pray in shoes and Khuffs (leather socks). However, if the footwear is impure and liable to harm those who are offering prayer or taint the carpets, a person should put the footwear in an appropriate place so as not to harm anyone.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.