Zirr bin Hubaish narrates: I presented myself before Sayyiduna Safwan bin Assal to ask him about wiping over the socks. He inquired: Why have you come? I replied: For the acquisition of knowledge. He said: I heard the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) say: "The angels, being pleased with the action of the seeker of knowledge, spread their wings for him." I asked him about wiping over the socks, so he informed me that the Messenger of Allah had commanded that when we are traveling, we may wipe for three days, and when we are residing, for one day and night. We would remove them when performing ablution due to defecation, urination, or sleep (but in the case of major impurity, they should be removed and the feet washed).