Definition
- Literal meaning of at tayammum is to make intention.
- Shariah meaning is the method of obtaining purification through soil intentionally and it consists of wiping the face and the two arms inc. the elbows with a pure earthy substance.
Tayammum in the shariah
- Quran ‘…and cannot find water, then purify yourselves with clean earth, wiping your faces and hands.’ (4:43)
- Hadith’… and it’s dust has been made a purifier for us in case water is not available…’ Sahih Muslim (522a)
In a place where water is unavailable or one is unable to use the water. The person can then perform tayammum in place of ablution or bathing so that they are not deprived of the blessing of performing worship that are invalid without them.
It is a unique and great concession.
Related topic(s) Conditions for the validity of tayammum (dry ablution) Examples of excusable difficulties for tayammum to be valid Essentials of tayammum Traditions (Sunnahs) of Tayammum