What is the meaning of the hadith (… he put them in while they were pure…)?

The questioner : What is the intended meaning of the saying of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) regarding wiping over the leather socks: We have heard from some of our Salafi brothers that they commented on this hadith. So, by way of clarification, does it mean that he performed wudu, washed the first foot, then put on the shoe, then washed the second foot and put on the shoe, or what does it mean?

The Shaykh : The intended meaning of "pure" is not linguistic, but rather in the sense of the Shari'ah. "Pure" can be interpreted to mean "not impure," and it can also be interpreted in the sense of the obligation: "pure" means "having performed wudu." When a man has washed his right foot, it is not said that he has performed wudu, because his wudu is not complete until he washes his left foot. So, "he put them in while they were pure" means: with complete purity, with complete wudu. Those who interpret it other than this interpretation are interpreting it linguistically only. As is clear to everyone, we have two languages: the customary Arabic language, and the legal language. The principle in interpreting legal expressions is the legal language, not the customary language. Is that clear?

The questioner : Yes, may Allah reward you with good.

The Shaykh : Good, and may the same be for you...