Can I wipe over my hijab in wudu?
It depends on the school you follow. The majority of scholars (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i) say you must wipe at least part of your actual hair, so you slip a wet hand under the front of your hijab. The Hanbali school allows wiping over a hijab wrapped under the chin when removing it is a real hardship.
Wiping the head is part of wudu
Allah says in the wudu verse:
The question is whether a head covering can stand in for the head itself. For men's turbans, there is clear evidence: the Prophet ﷺ wiped over his forelock and then over his turban and his leather socks (Sahih Muslim 274). Scholars then discussed whether a woman's head covering (khimar) is the same.
The views of the four schools
- Hanafi and Maliki: wiping over a hijab alone isn't enough. You must wipe the hair directly (a quarter of the head for Hanafis, the whole head for Malikis), unless there's a medical need.
- Shafi'i: you must wipe some of your hair, even a small part. It is recommended to then complete the wipe over the covering, following the hadith above.
- Hanbali: wiping over a khimar that is wrapped under the chin is allowed, especially when taking it off is difficult, such as in cold weather or in public. Some Companions' wives are reported to have done this.
All four schools allow wiping over a dressing or bandage on the head if it can't be removed for health reasons.
How to do it without taking your hijab off
- Loosen the front of your hijab or underscarf slightly.
- Wet your fingers and slide them under the front edge, wiping the front part of your hair.
- If you like, finish by passing your wet hands over the rest of the hijab.
- Wipe your ears, then wash your feet or wipe over your socks.
This fits most views and is easy in a public bathroom. See How do I make wudu in a school bathroom?
Wiping over socks is a similar concession
Islam makes wudu easier with wiping concessions, like wiping over socks, so you don't have to undress in public. See Do I have to take off my socks every time I make wudu?
- The majority say wipe at least part of your actual hair.
- The Hanbali school allows wiping over a hijab wrapped under the chin.
- The Prophet ﷺ wiped his forelock and then his turban.
- Sliding a wet hand under the front of the hijab works for most views.
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