Tearing at the Hem of the Garment
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Question
If one tears his garment at its lower edge, does one fulfill the obligation of rending one’s garments as a sign of mourning?
Answer
In the tearing of garments for mourning, one must tear at the upper edge. However, for other deceased individuals for whom one does not mourn, such as distant relatives or at the moment of passing for those who have the custom to tear, one may tear at the hem of the garment.
Source
Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah, Laws of Tearing, Siman 340, Se'if 2: "The place of tearing is anywhere at the front of the collar; but if one tears at the back (or at the hem of the garment) or at the sides, it is not fulfilled. Rema: Some say it is fulfilled if one tears at the hem of the garment, and it is customary to be lenient to tear at the hem of the garment when tearing for other deceased for whom one does not mourn; but for deceased who are close relatives and for whom one mourns, this tearing is not fulfilled, and one must tear at the collar, and so is the custom."