Title: Wiping hands over Neck during Ablution Question: When performing wudhu we wipe wet hands over the head and then ears. I also wipe it over the neck. Is wiping hands over the neck a kind of biddah ? JazakAllah Wadood Answer: Most of what has been narrated regarding wiping of hands on the neck during ablution is not considered as reported through reliable sources. It is for this reason that some scholars like, for instance, Nawawiy have termed the act a Bid`ah . However, in my opinion, because opinions regarding the reliability or otherwise of Hadith can vary, therefore, it would not be prudent to call the referred act a 'bid`ah' . In view of the general criticism of a number of scholars of Hadith on the narratives reporting the validity of wiping hands over the neck during ablution, I too am of the opinion that it should not be considered a part of the ablution. I hope this helps. Regards, Moiz Amjad December 9, 2001