If the leather sock is larger than the foot, should one wipe from the edge of the sock or from the tips of the toes?

If we go by what is outwardly apparent, then when he wipes over his leather socks, he wipes from the edge of the sock up to his shin, without regard to whether the foot inside it is small or large. But if we consider the underlying meaning, we would say: the portion of the leather sock here is beyond what is needed, and what is extra carries no ruling; thus, the ruling applies to the area aligned with the toes. Acting upon the outward appearance is the more cautious course. . .

Note: The author, may Allah have mercy on him, did not state whether one should wipe both leather socks simultaneously or begin with the right. It has been said that he should wipe them both at the same time, based on the apparent meaning of the hadith of al-Mughirah. Others have said that he should begin with the right, because wiping is a substitute for washing, and the substitute takes the ruling of that which it replaces. This applies when he is able to wipe with both hands together. But if he is unable to do so—for example, if one of his hands is amputated or paralyzed—then he begins with the right.

His statement, “and over the entire splint,” means that one wipes over the entire splint, because the apparent meaning of the hadith concerning the man with the head wound—namely, his statement, “and wipe over it” (1)—includes the whole splint from every side.

If he washes that which is to be wiped instead of wiping it, some of the scholars said: