Masah on normal socks

According to the Qur’an-e-Kareem, there are four things that are required to be performed in Wuzu. Therefore, there are four things that are Farz in Wuzu:

1. To wash the face,

2. To wash both hands up to the elbows,

3. To wash both feet up to the ankles and

4. To make Masah of the head.

Note: Making Masah means passing wet hands.

These four requirements should be fulfilled for the validity of Wuzu. And a valid Wuzu is required for the validity of Salah. If one of these 4 requirements has not been fulfilled, the Wuzu will not be valid and consequently, the Salah also will not be valid. 

According to Hadith that have a high degree of authenticity which are known as Hadith Mutawaatir, there is concession to perform Masah on some special socks called "Khuff" instead of washing the feet. That is why the Ulama made an exception for this kind of sock. As for ordinary socks that are made of cotton or wool, it is not permissible to perform Masah on it. If a person does so, his Wuzu will not be valid.

There are some Hadith that have been reported which give the impression that this is also permissible, but these Hadith are not strong enough in order to be used to nullify the law of the Qur’an, which necessitates the washing of the feet in Wuzu. Thus, a person takes upon himself a big risk by performing Masah on ordinary socks in Wuzu. He should refrain from it so that his Wuzu may be valid.

[English version of "Masah lors chaussette ordinaire" – Al Jamiat – Vol.3 No.10]