What is the ruling on wiping over socks then taking them off? Is prayer valid after that, or is it necessary to repeat ablution?

Scholars differed regarding one who removes his khuffs (leather socks) after wiping over them, but before the expiry of the period of wiping, into four opinions:

1. He must wash his feet immediately without the condition of continuity (muwalat). This is the madhhab of the Hanafis, the new قول (statement/opinion) of Al-Shafi'i, and a narration from Ahmad. 2. It suffices for him to wash his feet directly; however, if he delays, his ablution (wudu) becomes invalid due to the loss of the condition of continuity. This is the madhhab of the Malikis. 3. His purity (taharah) becomes invalid upon removing the khuffs. This is the old قول (statement/opinion) of Al-Shafi'i and the well-known opinion among the Hanbalis. 4. His purity is valid, and nothing is required of him. This is the preferred opinion due to the absence of evidence for the invalidation of wudu by removing the khuffs, and because it was narrated from Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) that he removed his shoes after wiping over them and then led the people in prayer. This is the implication of sound analogy.