Is it permissible to delay washing the feet in Wudu and to dry the other limbs before completing it, in order to avoid splashing water, especially when there is a need for that at work?

Drying the limbs after ablution (wudu') or ritual bath (ghusl (definition)) is a matter of scholarly disagreement. Some, like Imam Ahmad, 'Uthman, and Al-Hasan (definition) ibn 'Ali, permitted it, arguing that the default ruling is permissibility. Others, like 'Abd Al-Rahman ibn Mahdi and a group of scholars, disliked it, citing the hadith (definition) of Maymunah, who stated that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, did not want the towel and began to shake off the water with his hands. The first opinion is more correct because mere abstention does not indicate dislike, and because Al-Tirmidhi said: "Nothing authentic has been narrated concerning this matter." As for drying during ablution, it shares the same ruling as drying after completing it, as long as it does not break the continuity (muwalat). Its permissibility is apparent due to the absence of any evidence prohibiting it, especially if there is a need for it.