What is the prescribed duration limit for wiping over socks (Khuffayn)?
Chapter on Wiping over the Khuffayn (Leather Socks)
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
Imam Ahmad holds that the time limit for wiping over socks is what was established in the rulings concerning wiping over socks. This view is supported by Umar, Ali, Ibn Mas'ud, Ibn Abbas, Abu Zayd, Shurayh, 'Ata, Al-Thawri, Ishaq, and the Ashab al-Ra'y (Hanafi jurists). This is also the apparent position in the Madhhab of Al-Shafi'i. The evidence for setting a time limit is the narration from Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, stating that the Prophet, peace be upon him, set three days and nights for the traveler and one day and one night for the resident. This is narrated by Muslim. Additionally, the narration from 'Awf ibn Malik al-Ashja'i, where the Prophet, peace be upon him, commanded wiping over socks during the expedition of Tabuk for three days and nights for the traveler and one day and one night for the resident, is considered the strongest hadith regarding wiping over socks, as it relates to the Prophet's last expedition, thus representing his final practice.
Supporting text
Al-Lays holds that one may wipe for as long as one desires. Similarly, Malik has two narrations regarding the resident: one stating wiping is permissible without a time limit, based on the hadith where the Prophet (PBUH) responded to a question about the duration by saying, 'And as you wish' (reported by Abu Dawud), arguing that wiping performed upon purity without a specified time limit should be analogous to wiping the head or a splint. The second narration states wiping is not permissible for the resident.