and rags, and clay. The meaning of three is achieved by three prongs or by wiping a large rock in three places, or a wall, or the ground. There is no sense in being rigid regarding the literal wording when there exists that which is equivalent to it in every aspect. Regarding their saying: 'It becomes impure,' we respond: Only that which touches the impurity becomes impure, while the act of istijmar is achieved by other parts of it. Thus, it is similar to if its side were to become impure by something other than istijmar. Furthermore, if three people were to perform istijmar with it, each of them would achieve one wipe, and it would take the place of three stones; likewise, if one person performs istijmar with it, it is the same. And if three people were to perform istijmar with three stones, each of which has three prongs, and each of them performed istijmar from each stone with one prong, it would be sufficient for them. According to the view of Abu Bakr, it is possible that it would not be sufficient for them.

Section: If he performs istijmar with a stone, then washes or breaks off what has become impure from it, and performs istijmar with it a second time, then does that again and performs istijmar with it a third time, it is sufficient for him; for it is a stone with which istijmar can be performed by another, so it is sufficient for him just as it is for another. It is possible according to the view of Abu Bakr that it would not be sufficient for him, to maintain the literal form, though this is far-fetched.

41 - Issue: He said: (And what exceeds the point of exit, only water is sufficient for it).

This is the opinion of al-Shafi'i, Ishaq, and Ibn al-Mundhir. This means if it extends beyond the area in a way that is not customary—for example, if it spreads to the two cheeks and extends along the glans—nothing but water is sufficient for him. This is because istijmar in the customary area is a concession due to the hardship of washing it, since impurity occurs there repeatedly. Therefore, where the impurity does not occur repeatedly, only washing is sufficient, such as on the shin or thigh. For this reason, Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, said: 'You used to defecate like the droppings of camels, whereas today you defecate liquidly, so follow the stones with water.' His statement -may Allah bless him and grant him peace-: 'Three stones are sufficient for any of you,' intended what has not exceeded the point of exit.