Q: Can masah of the khuff be made with the fingertips only?
A: Masah should be made with the fingers and not just with the fingertips. If masah is made with the fingertips, the masah will not be valid.
The fardh amount of masah (of the khuff) is that one places three wet fingers on the khuff in a manner that the wet fingers are placed flat on the khuff. The amount of three fingers refers to the length and breadth of the small finger three times.
The Fuqahaa mention that if one merely places three of his wet fingertips on the khuff and pulls them upwards, then the masah will not be valid, as the fardh amount of masah is not fulfilled (i.e. three wet fingers are not placed flat on the khuff).
However, the Fuqahaa also mention that in the case where while pulling the fingertips upwards, if water drips from the palms and fingers and goes down onto the kuff to the extent that the area of three fingers is covered with water, then in this case, since the fardh amount is fulfilled, the masah will be valid.
The above is the fardh amount of masah of the khuff. As far as the sunnah amount of masah of the kuff is concerned, then one should make masah from the toes right till above the ankles.
The sunnah method of making masah of the khuff is that one should place his wet right hand or the wet fingers of his right hand flat on the right khuff (i.e. on the area of the right khuff which is above the toes). He should then pull his wet hand or his wet fingers from the toes upwards until he reaches slightly above the ankle. He will then do the same with his left foot by placing his wet left hand or the wet fingers of his left hand flat on the left khuff (i.e. on the area of the left khuff which is above the toes). He should then pull his wet hand or wet fingers from the toes upwards until he reaches slightly above the ankle.
The Fuqahaa also mention that while making masah of the khuff, it is sunnah that there be a slight gap between the fingers when placing them on the khuff and pulling them upwards.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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