Is it a precondition for wiping over a splint that it must be applied after having performed ritual purity (Taharah)?
Chapter on Tayammum
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
One narration states that preceding purity is not a condition for applying the splint, a view favored by Al-Khallal, who reported leniency from Ahmad concerning this matter. Evidence for this view includes the incident of Ibn Umar and the narration concerning Jabir, whose head wound required only wiping over a cloth tied around it, with no mention of prior purity. Similarly, when Ali was commanded to wipe over splints, prior purity was not stipulated. This view is favored because wiping is permitted to avoid the difficulty of removal, and removing it is as difficult whether it was applied on a state of purity or impurity.
Supporting text
The second narration stipulates that wiping over the splint is only valid if it was applied while one was in a state of purity (Taharah). This aligns with the apparent meaning of Al-Khiraqi's statement, as the splint acts as a barrier upon which wiping occurs, thus requiring prior purity like other objects of wiping. Consequently, if one applies it without purity and later fears removal, one should perform Tayammum instead. Likewise, if the application extends beyond the necessary area and removal is feared, Tayammum should be performed for that area, as it is a place where contact with water causes harm, analogous to the wound itself.