What should I do if I performed ablution (wudu'), recited the two declarations of faith (Shahadatayn), and prepared for prayer, then remembered that I forgot to wipe my ears; do I repeat the entire ablution or just wipe them?
Wiping the ears during ablution (Wudu') is something the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, consistently did. Scholars have differed regarding its ruling: Some, like the Hanbalis, say it is obligatory, based on the hadith: "The ears are part of the head." Others, like the majority (Jumhur), say it is recommendable.
What is transmitted from Imam Ahmad is that if one omits wiping the ears, their ablution is valid. Thus, wiping them is not obligatory, but it is better to wipe them along with the head, due to the action of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him.
Based on this, if someone forgets to wipe their ears, their ablution is valid, and there is no blame upon them.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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