Is wiping only the bottom of the leather socks sufficient for ablution?
Chapter on Wiping over the Khuffayn (Leather Socks)
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
Wiping only the bottom surface of the leather socks is valid. This is the view adopted by Ashhab among the companions of Malik, and some Shafi'i scholars. The justification is that wiping a part corresponding to the area of obligation suffices, just as wiping the top surface suffices.
Supporting text
The explicit position (al-mansus) attributed to Al-Shafi'i is that wiping only the bottom is not sufficient because it is not the location of the obligation for wiping, similar to the leg. Furthermore, the Prophet, peace be upon him, only wiped the upper surface of the leather socks. There is no dispute that wiping the upper surface is valid.