Is complete purity (wudu) required before putting on the leather socks to permit wiping over them?
Chapter on Wiping over the Khuffayn (Leather Socks)
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
The requirement of preceding purity (wudu) before wiping over the khuffayn is unanimously established. The justification is based on the narration of Al-Mughirah, where the Prophet (peace be upon him) told him to leave the socks on, stating, 'I put them on while I was pure,' and then wiped over them. This established that the state of purity at the time of donning them is the necessary condition.
Supporting text
A dissenting view, narrated from Ahmad by Abu Talib, held by Yahya ibn Adam, Abu Thawr, and the People of Opinion, suggests wiping is permissible even if one foot was washed before putting on the sock, arguing that once minor ritual impurity (hadath asghar) occurs after complete purity and wearing, wiping is allowed, similar to if the sock were removed and put back on. Another view suggests wiping is permitted if one washes the feet, puts on the socks, and then washes the rest of the limbs, based on the premise that sequence in wudu is not obligatory.