Clarifying the Meaning of the Three-Time Masḥ (Wiping) in Sunan Abī Dāwūd
Question:
In Sunan Abī Dāwūd, there is a narration mentioning that the wiping (masḥ) over the head was done three times. What is the correct understanding of this narration?
Answer by:
Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakīl Nāṣir (ḥafiẓahullāh)
Shaykh Saʿīd Mujtabā Saʿīdī (ḥafiẓahullāh)
1. Disagreement on Authenticity:
- Scholars differ on the authenticity (ṣaḥḥat or ḍaʿf) of this narration.
- Some scholars consider it ṣaḥīḥ (authentic), while others grade it as ḍaʿīf (weak).
2. View of the Majority (Jumhūr) of Scholars:
- The majority of scholars (jumhūr al-ʿulamāʾ) have issued fatāwā that wiping once (masḥ wāḥid) is sufficient and correct.
- From a rational (dirāyah-based) perspective, repeating masḥ three times would no longer be considered "wiping", but would resemble washing, which contradicts the essence of masḥ.
3. Classification as a Shādh (Irregular) Narration:
- This narration is considered shādh.
- A shādh (irregular) narration is one that may have a reliable chain, but is not practically acceptable, especially when it contradicts other well-established authentic narrations.
- In such narrations, a trustworthy narrator reports something that conflicts with stronger and more widely accepted reports. Thus, it is not acted upon according to the principles of hadith.
Summary:
- One-time masḥ over the head during wudū’ is sufficient and established from the Prophet ﷺ.
- The narration of three-time masḥ, even if authentic by some standards, is considered shādh and not acted upon by the majority.
- The correct practice, according to the jumhūr, is to perform masḥ once, in accordance with the Sunnah.
