Must separate fresh water be used for wiping the ears during Wudu?
Chapter on Siwak and the Sunnah of Wudu
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
It is recommended to use new water for the ears. Ahmad stated, "I prefer taking new water for the ears," noting that Ibn Umar used to take new water for his ears. Malik and Al-Shafi'i hold this view. If the ears are wiped with the water used for the head, it suffices, because the Prophet, peace be upon him, did so.
Supporting text
Ibn al-Mundhir states that the claim of using new water is not found in the narrations. Narrations from Abu Umamah, Abu Hurairah, and Abdullah ibn Zayd indicate that "The two ears are part of the head." Narrations from Ibn Abbas, Al-Rabi' bint Mu'awwid, and Al-Miqdam ibn Ma'di Yakrib indicate that the Prophet wiped his head and ears once. Al-Zuhri was of the opinion that the ears are part of the face. Al-Sha'bi stated that the front part is from the face and the exterior from the head. Al-Shafi'i and Abu Thawr stated they are neither from the face nor the head. Therefore, using new water for them is preferable as it avoids certain points of scholarly disagreement.