over socks and sandals. He wiped over his turban, both on its own and together with the front of his head. Several hadiths establish that he both did this and instructed others to do so. These reports, however, concern particular instances: they may apply specifically to circumstances of need and necessity, or they may be generally applicable, as with leather socks. The latter interpretation is more evident. Allah knows best.

He did not go out of his way (1) to alter the condition his feet were in. If he was wearing leather socks, he wiped over them without removing them. If his feet were uncovered, he washed them; he did not put on leather socks in order to wipe over them. This is the most balanced opinion concerning which is preferable—wiping or washing—as our teacher stated (2). Allah knows best.

Section
His Practice of Dry Ablution

He (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would perform dry ablution with a single strike for the face and hands (3). It is not authentically established that he performed it with two strikes, or that he wiped as far as the elbows. Imam Ahmad said: “Whoever says, ‘Dry ablution (4) extends to