Is wiping over the turban (Imamah) permissible during ablution?
Chapter on Wiping over the Khuffayn (Leather Socks)
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
Wiping over the turban during ablution is permissible. This view is held by Abu Bakr As-Siddiq, Umar, Anas, Abu Umamah, Sa'd ibn Malik, Abu Ad-Darda, Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz, Al-Hasan, Qatadah, Mak'hul, Al-Awza'i, Abu Thawr, and Ibn Al-Mundhir. The evidence supporting this ruling includes the hadith narrated by Al-Mughirah ibn Shu'bah where the Messenger of Allah performed ablution and wiped over the leather socks (khuffayn) and the turban; Al-Tirmidhi deemed this hadith Hassan Sahih. Another tradition states that the Prophet (peace be upon him) wiped over the khuffayn and the khimar (head covering), narrated by Muslim. Furthermore, it is established through five chains of narration from the Prophet (peace be upon him). Jurists argue that since the turban acts as a barrier (ha'il) in a place where the Lawgiver permitted wiping, wiping over it is permissible, similar to the permissibility of wiping over the khuffayn. Additionally, since the head is an organ whose obligation is waived during tayammum (dry ablution), wiping over its barrier is permissible, analogous to the feet.
Supporting text
The opposing view, held by Urwah, An-Nakh'i, Ash-Sha'bi, Al-Qasim, Malik, Ash-Shafi'i, and the Ashab ar-Ra'y (People of Opinion), prohibits wiping over the turban. Their evidence rests on the command in the Quran: "And wipe over your heads" (Quran 5:6), and the reasoning that since one is not subjected to undue hardship in removing the turban, wiping over it is not permitted, similar to wiping over garment sleeves.