What is the minimum requirement for performing *mas'h* (wiping) over the khuffayn (leather socks)?
Chapter on Wiping over the Khuffayn (Leather Socks)
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
The minimum sufficient action for wiping is to pass the fingers over the majority of the upper front part of the khuffayn, leaving lines. Imam Ahmad states that any manner of performing the wiping is permissible, whether with one hand or two. This view is supported by citing the action of the Prophet, peace be upon him, where Al-Mughirah ibn Shu'bah narrated that the Prophet placed his right hand on his right khuff and his left hand on his left khuff, wiping both with a single wiping, such that the narrator could see the impression of his fingers on the khuffayn. Furthermore, Imam Ahmad reconciled the view of Al-Hasan (stating the Sunnah is to draw lines with fingers) with other narrations, finding no contradiction.
Supporting text
Imam Ash-Shafi' holds that the minimum extent required for wiping is whatever the name 'wiping' encompasses, as the term was used without specification of measure, necessitating reference to the linguistic meaning. Abu Hanifa asserts that the wiping should cover the area equivalent to three fingers, basing this on the statement of Al-Hasan that the Sunnah for wiping is drawing lines with the fingers, which refers to the Sunnah of the Prophet, and the minimum term for a plural is three.