Is wiping (Mas'h) over the Qalansuwah (skullcap) permissible during ablution?
Chapter on Wiping over the Khuffayn (Leather Socks)
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
Wiping over the Qalansuwah (skullcap) is not permissible. Imam Ahmad stated this, and Harun al-Hammal reported that Abu Abdullah (Ahmad) disliked wiping over the Kaltah (another type of head covering) because it typically does not cover the entire head and does not remain fixed. Regarding lined Qalansuwahs, like those of judges or those worn for sleeping, Ishaq ibn Ibrahim reported that Ahmad prohibited wiping over them. Ibn al-Mundhir stated that no one is known to have permitted wiping over the Qalansuwah, citing that Anas wiped over his, but concluding it is impermissible because it is easy to remove, similar to the Kaltah. Furthermore, it is considered inferior to the un-wrapped turban (al-'imamah ghayr al-muhannakah) which lacks a dangling end (dhuaabah).
Supporting text
Abu Bakr al-Khall permitted wiping over the Qalansuwah, stating he saw no harm in it, as Ahmad reportedly said he avoids this view but would not reprimand someone who holds it. Al-Khall justified this by citing authentic narrations from two Companions: Umar, who stated one may uncover their head or wipe over their Qalansuwah and turban; and Abu Musa, who wiped over his Qalansuwah after exiting the lavatory. The rationale provided for permissibility is that the Qalansuwah is a customary head covering that conceals the head, thus resembling the wrapped turban, and it differs from the unwrapped turban which is prohibited because it lacks a dhuaabah.