The statement of 'Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) (If religion were based on opinion...): Does it imply the permissibility of wiping the bottom of the leather sock?

The Shaykh : May Allah bless you.

The questioner : Our Shaykh! There is a statement by 'Ali (may Allah be pleased with him)—and of course this is established, and you cited it in *Irwah al-Ghalal*—: "If religion were based on opinion, the bottom of the leather sock would be more deserving of wiping than the top, but I saw the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) wiping over the outside of his leather socks."

The Shaykh : Yes! Yes.

The questioner : I mean, does this statement imply the permissibility of wiping the bottom of the leather sock, or does it negate that?

The Shaykh : It negates it.

The questioner : I mean, we do not wipe the bottom of the leather sock at all?

The Shaykh: Never.

The questioner : Hmm, I mean, is the word "more deserving" considered a form of preference here?

The Shaykh : No, this is said in a context where it does not apply.

The questioner : Yes, good.