Is wiping the bottom surface of the sock valid?
Chapter on Wiping over the Khuffayn (Leather Socks)
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
The primary established position holds that wiping the bottom of the sock is not valid. This is supported by the saying of 'Ali (may Allah be pleased with him): 'If the religion were based on personal reasoning, wiping the sole of the sock would be more deserving than wiping the top surface, yet I have seen the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) wiping the top of his socks.' Evidence further supports wiping only the top surface based on narrations from Al-Mughirah and 'Umar indicating the Prophet (peace be upon him) commanded wiping the top of the socks when worn clean. Additionally, the bottom surface is not the area where washing is obligatory; therefore, it should not be the location for the optional Sunnah of wiping. Wiping the bottom might also involve contact with filth, thus contaminating the hand, making its omission preferable.
Supporting text
The evidence cited by proponents of wiping the bottom surface, particularly the hadith of Al-Mughirah bin Shu'bah, is considered defective (*ma'lul*). Al-Tirmidhi stated this narration is not authentic, and both Abu Zur'ah and Muhammad confirmed its inauthenticity to him. Ahmad also considered this narration weak because it was transmitted via Rajaa' bin Haywah from Wardad, the scribe of Al-Mughirah, whom he did not meet. Moreover, the bottom of the sock is not the mandated area for washing, unlike the top.