Wisdom and Duration for Wiping Over Shoes/Socks

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It says in Mawsoo’ah al-Fiqhiyyah (39/272):

Issue: The Wisdom of Wiping Over the Socks (and Shoes)

The wisdom behind it is to cause ease and to remove harm from those who fear difficulty by taking off their socks for the purpose of washing, especially during the colder days in winter. Also, whilst one is travelling whilst one may be busied due to his travels (so it is prescribed here also).

It says in Mawsoo’ah al-Fiqhiyyah (Summarised from 39/272-273):

Issue: The Period for Wiping is a Day and a Night For the Resident and Three Days and Nights Whilst One is Travelling

The scholars differed on the time period of wiping. There are two views:

The view of the majority (which is the correct view), the Hanafees, Shaafi’ees and the Hanbalees were of the view that one is allowed to wipe over his Khuff (or normal shoes and socks according to the correct opinion from these Madhabs) for the period of a day and a night, whilst one is resident and three days and nights whilst one is travelling. This is what has been narrated from the Hadeeth of ‘Alee bin Abee Taalib [May Allaah be Pleased with him].

The Hanafees opined that this Rukhsah (concession) is for those who travel for both matters that are permissible or sinful.

The Shaafi’ees and the Hanbalees were of the view that those who are travelling for the purpose of committing a sin then it is not permissible for them to accept this Rukhsah (this is the correct view).

The second view is of the Maalikees who were of the view that wiping over the Khuff whether one is resident or travelling, whether one is sinning or not. The duration of wiping for them is unrestricted, meaning as long as one doesn’t remove his socks then he doesn’t need to wash. Despite this, it is recommended to remove the socks and wash his feet at least once a week if he hasn’t washed his feet within this period. This is added to the time when one washes his feet prior to putting on his socks (thus washing is twice a week, minimum).