and because a turban wound beneath the chin is difficult to remove, unlike one wrapped around the head without being wound beneath the chin.

Shaykh al-Islam, may Allah have mercy on him, disputed this condition (1), saying: There is no evidence that it must be wound beneath the chin or have a tail. Rather, the text simply mentions “the turban” (2), without adding any further qualification. Thus, once it is established that it is a turban, wiping over it is permissible.

Moreover, the rationale for wiping over a turban is not limited to the difficulty of removing it. It may be that, if one were to move it, its coils might come undone. Also, if he were to remove the turban, his head will most likely have become sweaty and warm; and if he removes it, he may be harmed by the air. This is why he has been granted the concession of wiping over it.

It is not obligatory to wipe the portion of the head that remains exposed. However, they say that it is recommended to wipe, along with the turban, whatever part of the head is exposed, since a small part of the forelock and the back of the head will generally be uncovered. It is therefore obligatory to wipe over it, and recommended to wipe whatever is exposed.

And over women’s head coverings . . .

His statement, “and over women’s head coverings”: that is, it is permissible to wipe over women’s head coverings.

Khumur is the plural of khimār, derived from khumrah, meaning that by which something is covered. A woman’s khimār is that with which she covers her head.