CHAPTER 38 – Washing of the Pilgrim
It is narrated from Abdullah bin Huneyn (may Allah be pleased with him) that:
Abdullah bin Abbas and Miswar bin Mahrama (may Allah be pleased with them) disputed at a place called al-Abwa'.
Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said, "The pilgrim may wash his head," while Miswar (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “The pilgrim may not wash his head.” Consequently, Ibn Abbas sent Abdullah bin Huneyn to Abu Ayyub al-Ansari.
Abdullah recounts: I found Abu Ayyub being washed between two poles, covered with a garment. I greeted him.
Abu Ayyub asked, "Who is the one greeting?" I said, “I am Abdullah bin Huneyn.”
I have been sent by Abdullah bin Abbas to ask you how the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) used to wash his head while in ihram," I said. Abu Ayyub placed his hand on his garment and inclined his head so that I could see it, then he told the man pouring water over him to pour [it] onto his head. The man poured water over his head, and then Abu Ayyub rubbed his head forward and backward with his hands. He added, "I have seen the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) do it like that."
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EXPLANATION
The majority of scholars have permitted the pilgrim to wash his head, but he should not rub it excessively so as to shed hairs.
Imam Malik says that washing the head of a pilgrim is disliked.
Washing the hair of a pilgrim with something fragrant requires sacrifice, therefore the pilgrim should not wash his head with fragrant soap. Although there is no penalty for washing with odorless soap, one should be cautious.
Karneyn: This means "two horns." Here it refers to two upright poles used to secure the ends of a wooden bar upon which ropes are wound.