In Islam, Tayammum is a method of purification performed when water is unavailable, or using water is harmful due to illness, extreme cold, or travel. It allows a Muslim to maintain ritual purity and continue prayers (Salah) without using water. Tayammum is a concession from Allah for special circumstances, and its ruling is based on the Quran and Sunnah.
Quranic Basis of Tayammum:
Allah says in the Quran:
“…And if you are ill or on a journey, or one of you comes from the place of relieving himself, or you have touched women and cannot find water, then perform Tayammum with clean earth and rub your faces and hands with it…”
(Surah An-Nisa, 4:43, adapted)
This verse permits the use of clean earth for purification when water is not accessible or usable.
Hadith Reference:
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“When you do not find water, perform Tayammum with clean soil; then pray.”
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith 223)
This highlights the permissibility and method of Tayammum as a replacement for wudu or ghusl.
Method of Tayammum (تيمم) Step by Step
1. Niyyah (Intention)
Before starting, make the intention in your heart:
“I am performing Tayammum for the purpose of purification in place of wudu (or ghusl) to pray.”
Intention is mandatory and must be done in the heart; verbal declaration is optional.
2. Say Bismillah
Recite:
“Bismillah-hir-Rahman-nir-Rahim”
(In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate)
This is to begin the act in the name of Allah, similar to wudu.
3. Strike Hands on Clean Earth or Dust
Gently strike both your palms once on clean soil, dust, sand, stone, or a surface with natural earth.
- The soil must be pure and free from impurities (najis).
- This action symbolizes purification.
4. Rub Hands on Face
After striking, rub your hands on your face once, just as you would in wudu.
- This covers the face as required in ablution.
5. Rub Hands on Arms
Strike the hands on the soil again. Then, rub the left hand over the back of the right hand and the right hand over the back of the left hand.
- This completes the purification of the hands and arms, replacing washing with water.
Once these steps are complete, your Tayammum is valid, and you can proceed to Salah (prayer).
When Tayammum Can Be Used
- Lack of water: If there is no water available.
- Health reasons: When using water may cause illness or worsen a medical condition.
- Travel situations: Limited access to water during journeys.
- Extreme weather: If water is extremely cold and harmful.
Important Note:
Tayammum is only valid until water becomes available or the reason preventing water is removed. Once water is accessible, wudu or ghusl should be performed in the usual way.
See Also: The 3 Farz in Ghusl: Obligatory Acts
Summary:
Tayammum is a merciful provision from Allah to ensure Muslims can maintain their ritual purity and perform prayers even in difficult circumstances. By following the steps properly, one fulfills the requirements of Islamic purification according to the Quran and Sunnah.
