Does washing the head instead of wiping suffice for ablution?
Chapter on the Obligation of Purification
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
There are two views on whether washing the head instead of wiping suffices. The first view holds that it is not sufficient because Allah the Almighty commanded wiping, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) wiped and commanded wiping. Furthermore, as wiping is one type of purification, it cannot be substituted for the other type, just as wiping cannot substitute for washing. If one passes their hand over the head during or after washing, it suffices because the wiping obligation has been met. This is supported by the narration of Mu'awiya, who described performing ablution by taking a scoop of water and placing it on the middle of his head, then wiping from front to back and back to front.
Supporting text
The second view states that it suffices. This is because if a person in a state of major impurity immerses themselves in water intending both purifications, it suffices even without wiping. Similarly, if only minor impurity is present. Furthermore, some descriptions of the Prophet's (peace be upon him) washing mention pouring water over the head without mentioning wiping. Since washing is more thorough than wiping, performing it should suffice, as in the case of a full bath intended for ablution, provided the hand is not passed over the head. If rain water or water poured by someone else covers the head, wiping over it with the intention of purification suffices. If the water falls without intention, it also suffices, provided the hand is passed over that moisture, as the water is not used.