In light of this analysis, I do not consider it correct to state categorically that this is not established from Aishah and Ibn Abbas. Rather, it should be said that their initial rejection was based on their knowledge that the feet were to be washed; then, when the firmly established report from others reached them, they returned to affirming and acting upon it. They would receive reports from one another and trust one another. For this reason, the mursal reports of the Companions are recognized as authoritative, and many of the hadiths of Abu Hurayrah and Ibn Abbas are of this type.

But why go far afield? Here is Anas ibn Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, concerning whom Asim al-Ahwal said:

“I saw Anas ibn Malik urinate, then perform ablution and wipe over his turban and his leather socks.”

It was recorded by Ibn Abi Shaybah (1/183) and al-Bayhaqi (1/289). Both chains of transmission are authentic, and, in the case of the former, it meets the criteria of al-Bukhari and Muslim.

Nevertheless, when Anas was asked about wiping over leather socks, he replied, “Wipe over them.” When he was asked, “Did you hear it from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him?” he said:

“No, but I heard it from companions of ours whom I did not suspect. They would say: ‘Wiping over leather socks is permitted even if one does such-and-such’”—using explicit language rather than euphemism.

It was recorded by Ibn Abi Shaybah (1/182): “Ibn Ulayyah narrated to us from Yahya ibn Abi Ishaq, who heard Anas ibn Malik being asked …” and so on.

This is an authentic chain of transmission meeting the criteria of al-Bukhari and Muslim.

One further point that should be noted is Ibn Abd al-Barr’s statement in al-Tamhid (11/139):