Will the prayer of one who has prayed for years with an incorrect ablution due to a mistaken order (wiping the head and ears before washing the hands) be accepted, knowing that the mistake was unintentional and that the order of ablution is obligatory?
The order among the ablutionary organs differs in its obligation. It is obligatory according to the Shafi'is and Hanbalis, but not according to the Hanafis and Malikis. Issuing a fatwa based on a less preferred opinion after an action has occurred and there is difficulty in rectifying it is permissible. Therefore, there is no need to make up what has passed, but adherence to the order is obligatory in the future.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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