Is wiping over the socks with a rag or a piece of wood valid for Wudu?

Chapter on Wiping over the Khuffayn (Leather Socks)

Al-Mughni

Book of Purification

Book 2 · Issue 1 · Bab 11

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The validity of wiping over the socks with a cloth (hirqa) or a piece of wood (khashaba) is subject to scholarly deliberation. Some scholars permit this action because it fulfills the requirement of wiping over the Khuffayn (leather socks).

Supporting text

Another position holds that such an act is invalid because the Prophet, peace be upon him, wiped using his own hand, implying the direct use of the hand is necessary or preferred.