in certain cases. They argue that one says, “I saw the person,” upon seeing one of his four sides, so one quarter stands for the whole. Most jurists dispute this, saying that setting the limit at one quarter has no basis in either the Quran or the Sunnah.

Moreover, none of the Prophet’s Companions, who conveyed his Sunnah and acted upon it, is reported to have stipulated any such conditions concerning leather socks. Rather, they permitted wiping over leather socks without qualification, despite knowing what these socks were like and their condition. This shows that they understood from their Prophet that wiping over leather socks was permissible without qualification.

Furthermore, many people’s leather socks have splits or tears through which part of the foot is visible. If wiping over them were impermissible, the purpose of the concession would be defeated, especially since those who need to wear such socks are the needy. They have a greater claim to the concession than those who are not in need, for need is the reason for the concession.

Thus, when the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was asked about praying in a single garment, he said:

“Does every one of you have two garments?”

He explained that some among them possessed only one garment. Had he required two garments, these people would have been unable to fulfil the obligation. Yet he granted the concession without qualification. Likewise, not everyone here can obtain leather socks free of defects. If the concession were granted only to those who could, the needy would have to remove their leather socks, whereas others would have greater reason to be required to remove theirs. Furthermore, if need is the basis, the concession applies generally. And everyone who