Question
Can one perform prayer with tayammum while in a state of major impurity (janabah) during severe cold, when there is no immediate possibility of performing ghusl? For example, the cold increases back pain, and this creates further problems.
Answer
It is obligatory to perform ghusl before praying while in a state of janabah, because Allah the Exalted says:
﴿وَإِن كُنتُم جُنُبًا فَاطَّهَّروا﴾
“And if you are in a state of janabah, then purify yourselves.”
In What Circumstances is Tayammum Permitted?
If there is no water, or there is a compulsion not to use water due to illness, or there is a fear that using water in the cold will worsen an illness, or there are no means of heating water, then in such a case it is permissible to perform tayammum. Allah the Exalted says:
﴿وَإِن كُنتُم مَرضىٰ أَو عَلىٰ سَفَرٍ أَو جاءَ أَحَدٌ مِنكُم مِنَ الغائِطِ أَو لـٰمَستُمُ النِّساءَ فَلَم تَجِدوا ماءً فَتَيَمَّموا صَعيدًا طَيِّبًا﴾
“And if you are ill, or on a journey, or one of you comes from the place of relieving oneself, or you have touched women, and you find no water, then perform tayammum with clean earth.”
The Wisdom of Tayammum
Allah the Exalted said regarding tayammum:
“Allah does not want to place upon you any hardship, but He wants to purify you and to complete His favour upon you so that you may be grateful.”
In the Light of the Ahadith
It is narrated from Amr ibn al-As (may Allah be pleased with him) that:
“During the Battle of Dhat al-Salasil, on a severely cold night, I had a wet dream. I feared that if I performed ghusl, I would perish, so I performed tayammum and led the prayer. The people mentioned this to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, and he said: ‘O Amr, did you lead the prayer while in a state of janabah?’ Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) said: I heard the saying of Allah the Exalted: ‘And do not kill yourselves; indeed Allah is Merciful to you.’ The Prophet ﷺ smiled and said nothing.”
Hafiz Ibn Hajar (may Allah have mercy on him) says:
“This hadith proves the permissibility that if there is a fear of destruction from using water due to cold, then tayammum may be performed, and the person performing tayammum may also lead those who perform wudu in prayer.”
The View of Shaykh Abd al-Aziz ibn Baz (may Allah have mercy on him)
Shaykh Ibn Baz (may Allah have mercy on him) says:
If hot water is available, or water can be heated, or it is possible to buy it from someone, then doing so is obligatory, because Allah the Exalted says:
“So fear Allah as much as you are able.”
If in severe cold there is no way to heat water, and there is a risk of illness from it, then in such a case tayammum alone is sufficient, because Allah the Exalted says:
“So if you do not find water, then perform tayammum with clean earth and wipe your faces and hands.”
The ruling for a person unable to use water is the same as for a person who finds no water.
Advice
Wash as much of the body as is possible. If it is possible to wash the arms and legs, then wash them and then perform tayammum for the rest of the body.
Prayer
We ask Allah to grant you a speedy recovery and to make your illness a means of expiation for your sins and an elevation in your ranks.
