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2. Earth
Ruling 177. Earth purifies the sole of one’s foot or shoe on four conditions:
1. the earth is pure;
2. the earth is dry; however, there is no problem if there is some wetness or moisture on the earth that does not spread;
3. based on obligatory precaution, the impurity has spread onto the sole of one’s foot or shoe from impure earth;
4. an intrinsic impurity – such as blood and urine – or an object that has become impure – such as mud that has become impure and is on the sole of one’s foot or shoe – is removed by walking or rubbing the foot on earth; and in the event that the intrinsic impurity had previously been removed, then based on obligatory precaution, the sole of one’s foot or shoe does not become pure by walking or rubbing the foot on earth. Furthermore, the earth must be of soil, stone, brick, or something similar; therefore, walking on a rug, ḥaṣīr, and grass does not purify the impure sole of one’s foot or shoe.
Ruling 178.* Based on obligatory precaution, the impure sole of one’s foot or shoe does not become pure by walking on asphalt or ground paved with wood. Similarly, it does not become pure by rubbing it against or drawing it along a wall.
Ruling 179. In order to purify the sole of one’s foot or shoe, it is better to walk a distance of fifteen cubits (dhirāʿs)[1] or more, even if the impurity is removed by walking less than fifteen cubits or by rubbing the sole of one’s foot or shoe on earth.
Ruling 180. It is not necessary for the impure sole of one’s foot or shoe to be wet – it becomes pure by walking even if it is dry.
Ruling 181. After the impure sole of one’s foot or shoe has become pure by walking, the area on the sides of the sole that usually becomes dirty with mud also becomes pure.
Ruling 182. Based on obligatory precaution, if the palms or knees of someone who moves around on his hands and knees become impure, they do not become pure as a result of him moving around on them. The same applies to the bottom of a walking stick, the bottom of an artificial leg, the shoe of a quadruped animal, the wheel of a motorcycle or car, and similar things.
Ruling 183. After walking, there is no problem if the smell, colour, or small particles of impurity that cannot be seen remain on the sole of one’s foot or shoe. However, the recommended precaution is that one should walk to the extent that this is also removed.
Ruling 184. The inside of a shoe does not become pure by walking. Furthermore, based on obligatory precaution, the soles of socks do not become pure as a result of walking unless the sole is made of leather and suchlike and walking on them on earth is considered normal.
1. the earth is pure;
2. the earth is dry; however, there is no problem if there is some wetness or moisture on the earth that does not spread;
3. based on obligatory precaution, the impurity has spread onto the sole of one’s foot or shoe from impure earth;
4. an intrinsic impurity – such as blood and urine – or an object that has become impure – such as mud that has become impure and is on the sole of one’s foot or shoe – is removed by walking or rubbing the foot on earth; and in the event that the intrinsic impurity had previously been removed, then based on obligatory precaution, the sole of one’s foot or shoe does not become pure by walking or rubbing the foot on earth. Furthermore, the earth must be of soil, stone, brick, or something similar; therefore, walking on a rug, ḥaṣīr, and grass does not purify the impure sole of one’s foot or shoe.
Ruling 178.* Based on obligatory precaution, the impure sole of one’s foot or shoe does not become pure by walking on asphalt or ground paved with wood. Similarly, it does not become pure by rubbing it against or drawing it along a wall.
Ruling 179. In order to purify the sole of one’s foot or shoe, it is better to walk a distance of fifteen cubits (dhirāʿs)[1] or more, even if the impurity is removed by walking less than fifteen cubits or by rubbing the sole of one’s foot or shoe on earth.
Ruling 180. It is not necessary for the impure sole of one’s foot or shoe to be wet – it becomes pure by walking even if it is dry.
Ruling 181. After the impure sole of one’s foot or shoe has become pure by walking, the area on the sides of the sole that usually becomes dirty with mud also becomes pure.
Ruling 182. Based on obligatory precaution, if the palms or knees of someone who moves around on his hands and knees become impure, they do not become pure as a result of him moving around on them. The same applies to the bottom of a walking stick, the bottom of an artificial leg, the shoe of a quadruped animal, the wheel of a motorcycle or car, and similar things.
Ruling 183. After walking, there is no problem if the smell, colour, or small particles of impurity that cannot be seen remain on the sole of one’s foot or shoe. However, the recommended precaution is that one should walk to the extent that this is also removed.
Ruling 184. The inside of a shoe does not become pure by walking. Furthermore, based on obligatory precaution, the soles of socks do not become pure as a result of walking unless the sole is made of leather and suchlike and walking on them on earth is considered normal.
[1] Fifteen cubits is equivalent to approximately seven metres. [Author]