Question
What is the duration of permissibility for wiping over khuffs for residents?
Answer
It is a day and a night for the resident, starting from the time of the event; as narrated by Ali (may Allah be pleased with him): "The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) made three days and nights for the traveler, and a day and a night for the resident," in Sahih Muslim 1: 232, and the wording is his, and in Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah 1: 97, and in the Musnad Al-Mustakhraj 1: 330, and in Al-Mujtabah 1: 84. The calculation of the duration of wiping starts from the time of the event, so the time of wearing the socks or the time of ablution is not considered; because before the event, there is no need for wiping. The time in which wiping is needed is from the time of the event, because it is the time when the socks prevent the event from reaching the foot, and it is the time of the concession, so it is more deserving of consideration than the time of wearing and the time of purification. See: Umdat Al-Ri'ayah 1: 114, Sharh Al-Wiqayah p.116, and Al-Maraqiy p.131.