Is it permissible to refrain from wiping the ears during Wudu' if it causes severe pain and sensitivity from water entering them?

The majority of scholars hold that wiping the ears during ablution is a Sunnah (recommended act), not an obligation. Therefore, there is no blame on the questioner for omitting it if harm is proven to result, in accordance with the Almighty's saying: "And He has not placed upon you in religion any difficulty."

The Hanbalis, however, are of the view that wiping the ears is obligatory, based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "The ears are part of the head." Accordingly, if the questioner is harmed by wiping them, she must perform tayammum (dry ablution) for them.