al-Zuhrī, and al-Awzāʿī concerning someone who forgot to wipe his head, then found moisture in his beard and used it to wipe his head: they did not instruct him to wash his feet again. Ibn al-Mundhir also adopted this view.

It has been reported from ʿAlī and Ibn Masʿūd: “I do not mind which of my limbs I begin with.” Ahmad said: “What was meant was only beginning with the left before the right, since both are addressed together in the Quran.”

Ahmad then said: Jarīr narrated to me, from Qābūs, from his father:

“ʿAlī was asked: ‘One of us is in a hurry and washes one part before another. May he do so?’ He replied: ‘No; he must do it as Allah Most High has commanded.’”

This report that Ahmad related from ʿAlī indicates that observing the prescribed order is obligatory. What Ibn al-Mundhir related concerning forgetfulness indicates that this requirement is waived in cases of forgetfulness and that only the omitted act needs to be performed. This shows that the distinction was ʿAlī’s position, may Allah be pleased with him.

Those who dispensed with the requirement altogether cited the report that Ibn Masʿūd, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “There is nothing wrong with beginning with your feet before your hands.” However, Ahmad and others said: “We know of no basis for this.” They also transmitted reports supporting the obligation of observing the prescribed order