The Obligatory Extent of Wiping the Head in Ablution (An In-Depth Analytical Jurisprudential Study)

Abstract

This study examines the issue of the obligatory extent of wiping the head during ablution, a topic that has generated considerable disagreement among Islamic jurisprudential schools. It aims to analyze this issue by investigating the semantic scope of the term “head” in the Arabic language, tracing its usage in the Qur’an and the Prophetic Sunnah, and reviewing juristic opinions along with their evidences regarding the minimum required act of wiping. The study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach, based on collecting relevant linguistic and legal materials, classifying them, and analyzing them within both linguistic and legal-theoretical frameworks. The findings indicate that the term “head” may carry a broad meaning in general linguistic usage, while its legal determination is shaped by textual context and interpretive reasoning. The study further demonstrates that the disagreement over the required extent of wiping is partly rooted in differing interpretations of the preposition “bi” in the Qur’anic verse (5:6), particularly whether it implies adhesion or partiality. The study recommends further research into the relationship between linguistic meaning and legal interpretation, emphasizing the importance of integrative approaches that combine Arabic linguistics and legal theory in addressing legal disagreements.