The number of times the head must be wiped during Wudu'

Q 2: We noticed that some people during Wudu' (ablution) wipe their head once, whereas some wipe it three times. Which is correct? A: It is prescribed to wipe the head once, because of the Hadith on the authority of `Uthman ibn `Affan, `Aly and `Abdullah ibn Zayd (may Allah be pleased with them). They mentioned in this Hadith that the Prophet (peace be upon him) rinsed his mouth, sniffed water into his nostrils and then out, and then washed his face, arms and feet three times each without mentioning a specific number for wiping the head. Some narrations confirmed that he (peace be upon him) wiped his head once. The narration stating that the head is to be wiped with water three times is Shadh (a Hadith narrated by a trustworthy narrator, not in line with the narration of other trustworthy narrators in terms of wording, chain of narrators, or both) and contradicts the relevant Sahih (authentic) Hadith. (Part No. 4; Page No. 86


A: It is prescribed to wipe the head once, because of the Hadith on the authority of `Uthman ibn `Affan, `Aly and `Abdullah ibn Zayd (may Allah be pleased with them). They mentioned in this Hadith that the Prophet (peace be upon him) rinsed his mouth, sniffed water into his nostrils and then out, and then washed his face, arms and feet three times each without mentioning a specific number for wiping the head. Some narrations confirmed that he (peace be upon him) wiped his head once. The narration stating that the head is to be wiped with water three times is Shadh (a Hadith narrated by a trustworthy narrator, not in line with the narration of other trustworthy narrators in terms of wording, chain of narrators, or both) and contradicts the relevant Sahih (authentic) Hadith. (Part No. 4; Page No. 86) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions.


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