Masah on the socks

In principle, it is Farz to wash the feet in Wuzu. But if a person is wearing socks, then in some cases, he is not obliged to remove his socks to wash his feet. He can do Masah (pass wet hands) on his socks instead of washing his feet. But this authorisation does not apply to all kinds of socks. It applies to a special sock. In principle, it is made up of leather and it is called Khuff. This authorisation may also apply to a sock which is made of a thick fabric which looks a bit like leather due to its thickness. But it does not apply to ordinary socks which one uses nowadays.

In some places, the Imaams content themselves with making Masah on ordinary socks. As precaution, one must not perform Salaah behind such an Imaam. Salah is a fundamental pillar of Islam and a form of Ibaadah which is very important. One cannot take such a risk where one can even lose the Salaah. Thus, one must abstain from performing Salaah behind such Imaams. One may rather perform one’s Salaah individually on one’s own where one is sure that one's Salaah is valid.

[English version of "Masah lors chaussette" – Al Jamiat – Vol.6 No.9]