Is it permissible to perform *Masah* (wiping) over worn-out socks (*Jawrab al-Kharq*)?
Chapter on Wiping over the Khuffayn (Leather Socks)
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
The consensus holds that socks must possess sufficient thickness and firmness (*safāqah* and *thabūt*) to stand on their own, similar to leather boots (*khuffayn*), for wiping to be valid. Imam Ahmad initially disliked wiping over thin, torn socks (*al-kharq*) possibly due to their lack of self-support. Wiping is only permissible if the sock is thick enough to substitute for the *khuff*, standing upright on the foot without collapsing. The underlying principle is established by the narration of Al-Mughirah, where the Prophet (PBUH) wiped over socks (*jawrabayn*) and sandals (*na'layn*). If the sock requires the sandal to remain in place, the ritual purity (*tahārah*) is nullified upon removing the sandal, because the condition for wiping (the sock's self-support) is then lost, similar to when the foot itself becomes uncovered.
Supporting text
It is stipulated that the item wiped upon must fully cover the area of obligatory washing. If any part of the mandatory washing area is exposed, wiping is invalid, even if the exposed portion is small, such as from a lace hole, provided the foot is visible. However, if a tear exists that closes upon itself without exposing the foot, wiping remains valid. This view is held by Ma'mar and one opinion of Imam Al-Shafi'i.