What is the ruling on wiping over socks, and when and how is it done? Is it permissible to wipe over them at any time after waking up or after relieving oneself?

Wiping over strong, thick socks (khuffayn) is a Sunnah, and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, did it. Wiping must be done after a complete purification. The method is to perform ablution (wudu), and when reaching the feet, one wipes over the socks. Wiping is valid at all times, whether the invalidator of ablution is sleep or any other nullifier, as long as one is not in a state of major ritual impurity (janabah) and the period of one day and one night has not passed for a resident, or three days for a traveler.