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Is it sufficient to wipe the outer ear without inserting the finger into its opening for ablution to be valid, due to ear and tonsil inflammation when doing so?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

Scholars have differed regarding the ruling on wiping the ears during ablution (wudu'). The majority of scholars hold it to be sunnah (recommended), while the Hanbalis consider it obligatory. However, Ibn Qudamah narrated a consensus among scholars that the ablution is valid for one who intentionally or forgetfully omits wiping them, because they are considered part of the head. Al-Nawawi indicated that the Ummah has agreed on the purity of the ears but differed on the method of purifying them. Al-Tabari and others narrated a consensus on the validity of ablution for one who omits wiping them. As for someone who is harmed by wiping the ears, there is no sin upon him for leaving it, and it is preferable to wipe what is possible of them.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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