Is it obligatory to wash the head after major ritual impurity (janabah) starting with the right side, then the left, then the middle, as mentioned in Aisha’s hadith, or is it sufficient to rub the head with both hands three times from all directions?

The obligatory acts in ghusl (definition) janaba (ritual bath for major impurity) are to make the intention and ensure water covers the entire body, along with rinsing the mouth (madmada) and sniffing water into the nose (istinshaq). There is no specific method required for washing the head or for washing it three times. As for starting with the right side of the head, it is recommended (mustahabb) and not obligatory, as mentioned in the hadith (definition) of Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her. Scholars have interpreted this to mean that water covers the entire head with each wash, but one begins with the right side, then the left, then the middle.