Question
Why is it recommended to delay washing the feet at the beginning of ablution?
Answer
I say, and with God's guidance: So that he does not wash them in a place where used water collects, even if it is in a position where the washing does not gather under his feet, he should not delay washing his feet; for Maimunah, may Allah be pleased with her, said: "I poured water for the Prophet (peace be upon him), and he poured with his right hand over his left and washed them, then he washed his private parts, then he said with his hand to the ground and wiped it with dust, then he washed it, then he rinsed his mouth and sniffed water, then he washed his face and poured water over his head, then he moved aside and washed his feet, then a towel was brought to him but he did not shake it off," in Sahih al-Bukhari 1: 102. See: Sharh al-Wiqayah p. 93, al-Tabyin p. 14, al-Maraqi p. 141, al-Tuhfah 1: 29, al-Bahr p. 52, Tuhfat al-Muluk p. 28, al-Bada'i p. 1: 34, al-Hidayah 1: 16, al-Ikhtiyar 1: 19, and Rad al-Muhtar 1: 106, and Allah knows best.