Is it permissible to dry the body with a towel after Wudu or Ghusl?
Chapter on the Obligation of Purification
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
Drying the limbs after ablution or ritual bathing with a cloth is permissible. This view is supported by the transmitted position of Ahmad, and practices attributed to Uthman, Al-Hasan ibn Ali, Anas, and many scholars. The primary evidence for permissibility is the principle of permissibility (Al-Asl al-Ibahah). Furthermore, the Prophet's (peace be upon him) omission of using a towel does not indicate dislike, as the Prophet (PBUH) sometimes leaves permissible acts. Aisha reported that the Prophet (PBUH) had a cloth to dry himself with after Wudu.
Supporting text
The dissenting view, held by Jabir ibn Abdullah, and disliked by Abd al-Rahman ibn Mahdi and a group of scholars, is based on the narration by Maymunah where the Prophet (PBUH) refused a towel after bathing and instead shook the water off with his hands (Agreed upon source). Ahmad considered the narration supporting the use of a towel to be rejected (munkar).