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Fatwa CenterWashing the inner parts of the ears in Ghusl
Question
Is it obligatory to wash the inner parts of the ears in Ghusl (shower taken when in a state of major impurity)? Does abandoning this render Ghusl invalid? Is it obligatory to remove the wax that may be inside the ears or is it enough to pass the wet finger inside them without removing that wax?
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.
Water must reach the whole of the outer parts of the body, including the outer and inner parts of the ears, in Ghusl. An-Nawawi 
said: "Scholars unanimously agree that water must reach the whole of the outer parts of the body, including the hair and skin."
But the scholars' opinions differed about washing the meatus of the ear (the opening of the canal leading to the brain). The Maaliki scholars 
stated that it is recommended to wipe it with the wet finger in Ghusl. Other parts of the ears, however, must be washed.
The Hanafi scholars said that it is obligatory to wash everything of one's body, provided that there is no undue hardship, such as ears and the navel.
The Shaafi‘i scholars said that it is obligatory to wash the outer parts of the meatus, but not the inner parts. This opinion was stated by An-Nawawi and it is more cautious than other opinions.
Consequently, you are only required to make water reach the meatus, without letting it enter. Also, you do not have to remove the wax found inside the ears, but if it is on the outside of the ears and prevents water from reaching the skin, then it must be removed.
Allaah Knows best.
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