Treaties on Clarifying the Obligatory Amount of Wiping over Head by Ibn Kamal Basha Al-Hanafi (died: 940 AH) : Study and investigation

Abstract

This is a treatise by the editing scholar Ibn Kamal Basha Al-Hanafi (died 940 AH), entitled "Treatise on clarifying the Obligatory Amount of Wiping over Head". It is a short text in which the author tackles this jurisprudential issue in a clear manner and good wording. He also presents and thoroughly discusses the dispute and evidence, especially in the Hanafi doctrine. The author begins by mentioning the dispute among jurisprudents on the obligatory amount to be wiped over the head in ablution. He mentions the doctrine of imam Malik and imam al-Shafe`i and their evidence, and then mentions two narrations in the Hanafi doctrine: the first indicates that the amount due is three fingers, and the second indicates that it should cover the quarter of the head. He elaborates on the inference of these two narrations and the accurate and thorough discussions, without declaring which of the two is more accurate.

I found it proper to investigate this treatise, to be utilized by students of Shari`a on one hand, and to contribute to publishing the writings of this great scholar on the other, especially in Fiqh, as publications in this field are scarce compared to what Ibn Kamal Basha, May Allah be merciful to him, wrote.