Darimi

129. Commentary:

➊ Instead of answering herself, Aisha (radi Allahu anha) directed the questioner to Ali (radi Allahu anhu) because the general practice of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) regarding wiping (masah) was outside the home; therefore, Aisha (radi Allahu anha) might not have had complete knowledge regarding the rulings of wiping (masah).

➋ "Resident" (muqim) refers to a person who is staying in his own home or, during travel, has taken up residence somewhere with the intention of staying.

➌ If one does not know the ruling on an issue, one should ask the people of knowledge about it.

Commentary:
➊ From this it is understood that the duration for wiping over leather socks (khuffayn) is prescribed, and this duration is longer for a traveler than for a resident.

➋ If a traveler does not remove the leather socks, he may suffice with wiping (masah) instead of washing the feet in ablution (wudu) for three days and nights, and a resident for one day and night. In the case of removing the socks, it becomes necessary to wash the feet.

➌ The beginning of the period for wiping is counted from the first wiping after the occurrence of minor impurity (hadath).

➍ Advising the questioner to go to a greater scholar is not considered concealing knowledge; rather, it is an expression of reality and an acknowledgment of another’s knowledge and virtue, which demonstrates humility.

Benefit:
In this hadith, the duration for wiping over leather socks (khuffayn) and socks (jurabayn) is mentioned: for a resident, it is one day and one night, and for a traveler, it is three days and three nights, meaning that wiping is permitted for this duration. It is also understood that directing a questioner to a scholar more knowledgeable than oneself is not considered concealing knowledge; rather, it is a means of honoring the people of knowledge and avoiding mistakes in matters of the Shari‘ah, and it is an expression of humility.