Is repeating the wiping of the head during ablution legislated?
Chapter on the Obligation of Purification
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
Repeating the wiping of the head during Wudu (ablution) is not legislated. This position is held by Abu Hanifa and Malik, and it is narrated from Ibn Umar, his son Salim, Al-Nakha'i, Mujahid, Talha ibn Musarrif, and Al-Hakam. Al-Tirmidhi stated that this is the practice of most scholars among the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and those who came after them. The primary evidence for performing a single wipe is the narration of Abdullah ibn Zayd, who described the ablution of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) stating, "He wiped over his head once." This is agreed upon (Muttafaqun 'alayh). Furthermore, 'Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated performing ablution and wiping over his head once, stating, "This is the ablution of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Whoever wishes to see the purification of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), let him look at this." The accounts of Abdullah ibn Abi Awfa, Ibn Abbas, Salama ibn Al-Akwa', Al-Rabi', all describing a single wipe, indicate continuous practice, which implies the best and most complete manner.
Supporting text
It is legislated to repeat the wiping three times. This view is attributed to Ahmad, and it is also the madhhab of Al-Shafi'i, narrated from Anas. The evidence for this is the narration from Shuqayq ibn Salamah that he saw Uthman ibn Affan washing his arms three times and wiping his head three times, stating, "I saw the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) do likewise." This view also holds that the head is a principal part in purification, thus repetition is legislated for it, similar to the face.