Is it permissible for a woman to wipe over her khimar (head covering) during ablution?
Chapter on Wiping over the Khuffayn (Leather Socks)
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
Wiping over the khimar is permissible. This is supported by a narration stating that Umm Salamah used to wipe over her khimar. A narration also exists stating that the Prophet, peace be upon him, commanded wiping over the khuffayn (leather socks) and the khimar. The justification is that the khimar is a customary covering for the head that is difficult to remove, thus resembling the turban (imamah).
Supporting text
Wiping over the khimar is not permissible. Imam Ahmad, when asked how a woman should wipe over her head, stated that she should wipe underneath the khimar and not over it, although he acknowledged the narration concerning Umm Salamah. Scholars such as Nafi', Al-Nakha'i, Hammad ibn Abi Sulayman, Al-Awza'i, and Sa'id ibn 'Abd al-'Aziz hold this view because it is a head covering for a woman, and wiping over it is not permitted, similar to a protective layer (wiqayah), which cannot be wiped over as it is easily removed, resembling a cap for a man.