1) What is the ruling on running wet fingers through a thick beard during wudu? is it obligatory during wudu or not? 2) Looking purposefully/accidentally somewhere else for a brief moment during salah (where not supposed to look). Is salah valid?

1) Running wet fingers through a thick beard in wudu is recommended, not obligatory, and washing its outer surface is enough, as Imam Ibn Baz said. 2) A brief look or turn of the head elsewhere does not invalidate the salah, but it is disliked when there is no need, as the Permanent Committee said.