Is it permissible to wipe over the shoes during Wudhoo’ (ablution) in the workplace, knowing that I work in a foreign company and I am cautious because there is impurity “on the ground” where I work. I also go out of my home after performing Wudhoo’. Or do I have to wash my feet and wiping over the shoes is not allowed?

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His Slave and Messenger.

It is permissible to wipe over one's shoes during Wudhoo’, provided that one puts them on over the socks in a state of full purity (a state that requires neither Wudhoo’ nor Ghusl). This is even a part of the Sunnah since the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, did so. It is narrated that Al-Mugheerah ibn Shu‘bah, may Allaah be peased with him, said: “The Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, performed Wudhoo’ and wiped over his socks and the shoes.” [Ahmad, At-Tirmithi, Abu Daawood and others. At-Tirmithi and others: Hasan Saheeh]

Thereupon, it is a part of the Sunnah to wipe over the shoes if they are worn over the socks. However, if the shoes are taken off, one has to wipe over the socks or else wash the feet. This concession does not require one to be at work or on a journey.

Allah Knows best.