How can the lingering trace of grease or cream after its substance has vanished not be harmful, given that creams typically prevent water from reaching the limb even if their substance is gone? And how does Fatwa No. 1726 reconcile with fatwas that permit wiping over a barrier, such as Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen's fatwa, in which he cited the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) action during Ihram, and other fatwas that permit wiping over henna and the like, while you obliged the repetition of prayer in Fatwa No. 124350 for someone who placed a barrier on their hair?

The majority of scholars agree that what is obligatory in ablution (wudu') is for water to reach the limb by any means, unlike the Malikis who stipulated rubbing (dalk). Rubbing (dalk) is especially emphasized when there is something that prevents water from directly reaching the skin, such as creams or oils that cause water to slip off, provided that the oil does not have a tangible mass (jirm) that prevents water from reaching. If it does have a tangible mass, then it must be removed first. Scholars have indicated that a barrier (ha'il) is anything that prevents water from reaching the limbs of ablution, and this includes oils, wax, and similar substances that have a tangible mass. As for traces that do not have a tangible mass, they do not cause harm.