Is it possible to respond to those who claim that the socks of the Companions differed from the socks of our time, citing the Hadith of Al-Mughirah ibn Shu’bah and the narration of Ali ibn Abi Talib, and that there is no evidence for stipulating wiping over a specific type of sock, and to discuss Imam Al-Nawawi’s opinion regarding the conditions for wiping over socks, and by analogy with the dispensations for travel that became widespread despite the difference in means of travel?

The issue of wiping over socks is a matter of scholarly disagreement. One group prohibits it, arguing that the dispensation applies only to leather slippers (khuff). Another group permits it under certain conditions, such as the socks being thick and durable enough for walking. There are also those who permit wiping over socks absolutely. The disagreement on this issue is permissible, and every mujtahid (independent scholar) will be rewarded for their effort. A follower (muqallid) is allowed to follow whichever scholar they trust. Our advice to the questioner is not to preoccupy themselves too much with this issue, but rather to focus on seeking beneficial knowledge until they master its fundamentals.