Question
If an Imaam performs Masah on cotton socks, is Salaah behind him permissible?
Answer
It is not permissible to make Masah on regular cotton socks, as all the conditions of making Masah on Khuffain have not been found. All four Imaams of Fiqh are at a consensus in this matter. Therefore, if the Imaam made Masah on regular cotton socks, his Wudhu is invalid thus rendering his Salaah invalid.
If a person has firm conviction that the Imaam made Masah on his cotton socks and did not wash his feet, he should pray Salaah in another Masjid. If perchance you happened to perform a Salaah behind the Imaam whilst knowing that he had made Masah on regular cotton socks, then you should repeat the Salaah.
It is however the duty of the Imaam to facilitate for all the Muqtadees (followers) by washing his feet and not wiping over his socks if he has Khuffs which do not meet the requirements for the permissibility of making Masah. In this case, the Muqtadees (followers) should approach the Imaam and request him to facilitate for all of them.
Checked and Approved By:
Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B.
References
الدر المختار مع رد المحتار ج ۲ ص ١٠٤ – ١٠٥ – سعيد
رد المحتار ج ١ ص ٥٦٣ ، سعيد
آپ کے مسائل اور ان کے حل ج۴ ص ۲۴۲- مکتبہ لدھیانوی
جو موزہ چمڑے کا نہ ہو لیکن ایساد بیز ہو کہ اس میں پانی نہ چھنتا ہو اس کو پہن کر میل بھر پیدل چلنا بھی دشوار نہ ہو تو ایسے موزے پر بھی مقیم کو ایک دن ایک رات اور مسافر کو تین دن تین رات مسح کرنے کی شرعا اجازت ہے
(فتاوی محمود یہ ج ۵ ص ۱۹۵، جامعہ فاروقیہ کراچی)