Is wiping the head with a wet rag or stick sufficient for ablution?
Chapter on the Obligation of Purification
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
It suffices according to one of the two views, because Allah commanded wiping, and it was performed, thus being valid, similar to wiping with one's own hand or another person's hand, as wiping by one's own hand is not stipulated. The evidence is that if one wipes with another's hand, it is valid. If one places a wet rag on the head causing the hair to become wet, or places a rag and then wets it until the hair is saturated, it does not suffice, as this is neither wiping nor washing. Wiping with a finger or two fingers suffices if the entire obligatory area is covered by them.
Supporting text
The second view states it is not sufficient because the Prophet (peace be upon him) wiped with his hand. It is also suggested that if the hair becomes wet by the rag with the intention of purification, it suffices, similar to washing. Muhammad ibn Al-Hakam narrated from Ahmad that wiping with a finger or two does not suffice, interpreted as a ruling based on the requirement of covering the entire area, which is impossible with just fingers. If the entire area is covered, it suffices as it is wiping with part of the hand, similar to wiping with the palm.