puts on a leather sock while in a state of ritual purity may wipe over it, whether rich or poor, and whether the sock is intact or torn. He has chosen it for himself; this is not something required to be done for Allah Most High—such as giving charity or freeing a slave—for freedom from defects to be stipulated.

As for the opponent’s claim, “The duty regarding the exposed part is washing, and regarding the covered part, wiping,” this is incorrect by consensus. Not every covered part of the foot requires wiping the corresponding outer surface of the leather sock. Rather, wiping over the top of the foot suffices. Many scholars do not consider wiping its underside recommended. One merely wipes streaks with the fingers; one need not wipe the entire sock, as one must with a splint. Wiping a splint takes the place of washing the limb itself: since it cannot be removed without harm, it takes the same ruling as skin, the hair of the head, and fingernails and toenails. A leather sock is different, since one can remove it and wash the foot. Thus, wiping a splint is obligatory, whereas wiping over leather socks is permissible: one may wipe over them or remove them, as one chooses.

Accordingly, wiping a splint differs from wiping a leather sock in five respects:

First: the former is obligatory, whereas the latter is permissible.

Second: the former is permissible in both minor and major ritual purification, since it is the only option available. Wiping over leather socks, however, does not apply to major ritual purification; rather, one must