Some say that wiping over the leather socks is permissible, whether they are torn or split, and whether it is possible to trace the object within them or not, even if there is a wrapping on their feet.
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The questioner : Some say that wiping over any leather sock is permissible, whether it is torn or split, and whether it is possible to trace the object within it or not, even if there is a wrapping on their feet, in which case wiping over all of that is permissible. Their evidence is that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) granted the Muslims a dispensation to wipe over the leather socks in many hadiths, none of which stipulate that the socks must be free from tears. It is not permissible to delay the explanation until the time of need. We ask the honorable Shaykh to clarify the extent of the correctness of this opinion. May Allah reward you with good.
The Shaykh : This opinion, which the questioner referred to, namely that wiping over anything worn on the foot is permissible, is the correct opinion. This is because the texts regarding wiping over the leather socks were absolute and not restricted by conditions. What is transmitted from the Lawgiver in an absolute form must not be subjected to conditions, because adding conditions to it restricts what Allah (Mighty and Majestic) and His Messenger have made broad. The original rule is that the absolute remains absolute and the general remains general until evidence comes to restrict or specify it. Some of the followers of al-Shafi'i reported from 'Umar and 'Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with them both) that wiping over thin socks is permissible. This supports the opinion referred to by this questioner, which is that wiping over thin, light socks and torn socks, as well as leather socks, is permissible. Likewise, according to the stronger opinion, wiping over a wrapping is permissible. In fact, the permissibility of wiping over a wrapping is even more likely due to the difficulty of unrolling and rolling it up. This is consistent with the saying of the Exalted when He mentioned the verse of purity regarding ablution, the full ritual bath, and dry ablution with clean earth, where He said:[Al-Ma'idah 5:6].
The Shaykh : This opinion, which the questioner referred to, namely that wiping over anything worn on the foot is permissible, is the correct opinion. This is because the texts regarding wiping over the leather socks were absolute and not restricted by conditions. What is transmitted from the Lawgiver in an absolute form must not be subjected to conditions, because adding conditions to it restricts what Allah (Mighty and Majestic) and His Messenger have made broad. The original rule is that the absolute remains absolute and the general remains general until evidence comes to restrict or specify it. Some of the followers of al-Shafi'i reported from 'Umar and 'Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with them both) that wiping over thin socks is permissible. This supports the opinion referred to by this questioner, which is that wiping over thin, light socks and torn socks, as well as leather socks, is permissible. Likewise, according to the stronger opinion, wiping over a wrapping is permissible. In fact, the permissibility of wiping over a wrapping is even more likely due to the difficulty of unrolling and rolling it up. This is consistent with the saying of the Exalted when He mentioned the verse of purity regarding ablution, the full ritual bath, and dry ablution with clean earth, where He said: