Is wiping the head sufficient if the person does not return his hand from the back to the front?

Question:
Peace be upon you, Your Eminence, father. The questioner asks: If one wipes his head by wiping toward the back, and does not return his hand to the place where he started, is his wiping valid?

Answer:
This is sufficient, but it is deficient. It is sufficient despite the deficiency. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to place his two noble hands, wet with water, on the front of his head, then pass them to the back of his head, then return them to the place where he began, (peace and blessings be upon him).