Wiping the Head in Wudu: A Guide for Women

The Correct Method of Wiping the Head and Nape in Ablution (Wudu)

Question: When a woman wipes her head during ablution (wudu), is it necessary to wet the nape of the neck with water or wet fingers? Because of long hair and braids, the head is wiped, but the nape does not get wet. Also, I read somewhere that scientifically, it is good for health to apply a few drops of water to the nape every day. Is this why some sects wipe the neck as well?

Answer: The first and foremost thing to keep in mind is to keep science separate from wudu and wiping (masah). Do not mix the two. Wudu is an act of worship, and we perform it with the intention of worship. If there is any physical benefit, it is good, but we seek purity solely for the pleasure of Allah, disregarding any physical benefit.

Therefore, women should wipe their entire head with wet fingers, including the nape, but it is not a condition to wet the hair or the nape. Simply passing wet fingers over the hair is sufficient for us.

Secondly, those who wipe the neck are acting against the Sunnah because there is no evidence for this in the Quran and Hadith. As I mentioned, we should not link wudu with medical science but perform it with the intention of worship. It is not permissible to wipe the neck in wudu for worldly benefits. We must perform acts of worship exactly as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us.

 Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi (may Allah preserve him)

❪Jeddah Dawah Center, Hayy Al-Salamah – Saudi Arabia❫