Zirr bin Hubaish (may Allah have mercy on him) says that I went to the service of Sayyiduna Safwan bin Assal Muradi (may Allah be pleased with him) to inquire about wiping over the socks. He asked, "O Zirr, what brings you here?" I said, "I have come in search of knowledge." He said, "O Zirr, indeed the angels spread their wings in approval and happiness for the seeker of knowledge in his quest and pursuit of knowledge." He said, "I said, 'After relieving oneself, I have some doubt in my heart regarding wiping over the socks, and you are a companion of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). Have you heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) say anything about this?'" He said, "Yes (I have heard). The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) used to command us that when we are travelers, except in the case of major impurity (janabah), we should not remove our socks for three days and nights. There is no need to remove them because of defecation, urination, or sleep." This is the narration of Makhzumi. In the narration of Ahmad bin Abda, it is: "This hadith has reached me that the angels spread their wings."
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