It is permissible to wipe with a cloth after ablution; for Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: "The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) had a cloth with which he would dry himself after ablution," in Jami' at-Tirmidhi 1: 74. He said: "It is not from the standing (prayer)," and he said: "Some scholars from the companions of the Messenger of Allah and those after them have permitted wiping after ablution." In Al-Mustadrak 1: 256, he said: "This is a hadith that has been narrated from Anas ibn Malik and others, but they did not include it in their collections." In Sunan al-Kubra by Al-Bayhaqi 1: 185, and Sunan al-Daraqutni 1: 110, and from Salman al-Farsi (may Allah be pleased with him): "Indeed, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) performed ablution, then turned his woolen cloak over, and wiped his face with it," in Sunan Ibn Majah no. 461, 3554, 554. And in Musnad al-Shamiyeen 1: 381. He said in Al-Hidayah (83:4): "The cloth that is carried to wipe sweat is disliked, as it is a type of arrogance and pride, as well as the one used to wipe after ablution or to blow one's nose. It is said: If it is out of necessity, it is not disliked, and this is the correct view; it is only disliked if it is done out of arrogance and pride, and it becomes like sitting cross-legged." Those who wish to expand on the issue of wiping with a cloth should refer to the esteemed discussion regarding the cloth by Imam al-Kanawi, as verified by Dr. Salah Abu al-Hajj.