Excerpt from the book “Ṣaḥīḥ Namāz-e-Nabawī ﷺ” authored by Shaykh ʿAbd al-Raḥmān ʿAzīz, published by Maktabah Dār al-Andalus
In the absence of water or when water cannot be used due to valid reasons, Islamic Shari'ah has allowed pure earth as a substitute for water. If using water is harmful, or water is unavailable, Tayammum (dry ablution) is permitted, and purification is attained from clean earth just as it is attained from water.
Allah Almighty says:
وَإِن كُنتُمْ جُنُبًا فَاطَّهَّرُوا ۚ وَإِن كُنتُم مَّرْضَىٰ أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ أَوْ جَاءَ أَحَدٌ مِّنكُم مِّنَ الْغَائِطِ أَوْ لَامَسْتُمُ النِّسَاءَ فَلَمْ تَجِدُوا مَاءً فَتَيَمَّمُوا صَعِيدًا طَيِّبًا فَامْسَحُوا بِوُجُوهِكُمْ وَأَيْدِيكُم مِّنْهُ
(Surah al-Mā’idah: 6)
“And if you are in a state of Janābah, then purify yourselves. But if you are ill or on a journey, or one of you has relieved himself, or you have had intimate contact with women and you do not find water—then perform Tayammum with clean earth and wipe your faces and hands with it.”
① Tayammum replaces both Ghusl and Wudu.
② It is allowed when using water is harmful.
③ It is allowed when water is not accessible.
④ Clean earth must be used.
⑤ Method of performing Tayammum is specified.
◈ All surfaces of the ground—except solid rock—are considered part of earth.
◈ Dust, sand, mud walls, and dust-covered items can be used for Tayammum.
✔ Intention (niyyah) for purification is required.
✔ Say “Bismillah” as in Wudu.
✔ Strike both hands upon clean earth.
✔ Blow off excess dust from hands.
✔ Wipe the face, then wipe the left hand with the right and vice versa.
[Bukhārī, Book of Tayammum, Chapter: Blowing on Hands – 338; Muslim – 368]
✔ Alternatively, wipe both hands first and then the face.
[Bukhārī, Book of Tayammum, Chapter: Tayammum with One Strike – 347; Muslim – 368]
Some assume that a new Tayammum is needed for every prayer. This is baseless.
Since earth substitutes water, it holds the same rulings.
Hence, Tayammum remains valid until it breaks.
◈ A single Tayammum suffices for multiple required acts of purification (e.g., multiple Ghusl).
◈ If a person did Tayammum in place of Ghusl, and then only Wudu breaks, then only Wudu is needed again, not Ghusl.
[al-Kāfī by Ibn Qudāmah, Chapter: 150]
◈ The same procedure applies when performing Tayammum for a deceased person.
◈ There is no time limit for Tayammum—it remains valid as long as the excuse exists.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
الصعيد الطيب وضوء المسلم ولو إلى عشر سنين
“Pure earth is a source of purification for a Muslim, even for ten years (if water is not found).”
[Abū Dāwūd – 332; Tirmidhī – 124; Ṣaḥīḥ]
✔ There is no need to repeat the prayer.
✔ But if someone does repeat it, he is rewarded double.
Narration: Two companions prayed with Tayammum, found water soon after, one repeated the prayer, the other did not. When they informed the Prophet ﷺ, he said to the one who didn’t:
“You acted upon the Sunnah; your first prayer suffices.”
And to the one who repeated: “You shall have double the reward.”
[Abū Dāwūd – 338; Ṣaḥīḥ]
✔ Anything that breaks Ghusl or Wudu also breaks Tayammum.
✔ Availability of water also breaks Tayammum.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
فإذا وجدت الماء فأمسه جلدك فإن ذلك خير
“When you find water, let it touch your skin, for that is better.”
[Abū Dāwūd – 332; Tirmidhī – 124; Ṣaḥīḥ]
➡ Even during prayer, if one is informed of available water and is capable of using it, they must stop the prayer, perform Wudu, and restart the prayer.
Allah says:
فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُمْ وَاسْمَعُوا وَأَطِيعُوا
(Surah at-Taghābun: 16)
“So fear Allah as much as you are able; listen and obey.”
And He says:
لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا
(Surah al-Baqarah: 286)
“Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.”
✔ Ibn ʿUmar رضي الله عنهما said:
“Let him wash around the wound and wipe over it.”
[al-Sunan al-Kubrā by al-Bayhaqī – 1/228, 1079; Ṣaḥīḥ]
✔ If the entire body is injured, Tayammum is allowed.
✔ There is no time limit on wiping over a bandage or cast—it continues as long as the injury remains.
✔ Tayammum is allowed when using water may worsen the illness, such as in cold climates with no means to warm water.
Sayyidunā ʿAmr ibn al-ʿĀṣ رضي الله عنه said:
“During the expedition of Dhāt al-Salāsil, I had a nocturnal emission on a cold night. Fearing death from using water, I performed Tayammum and led Fajr prayer. When the Prophet ﷺ was informed, he did not object.”
[Abū Dāwūd – 334; Ṣaḥīḥ]
✔ Istihāḍah is blood or yellowish discharge due to illness.
✔ A woman in such a state is considered pure and should continue acts of worship like a normal woman.
[Bukhārī, Book of Menstruation, Chapter on Istihāḍah – 306; Muslim – 333]
✔ Many women wrongly consider Istihāḍah as menstruation and abandon Salah and Sawm—this is a grave error.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
فاغسلي عنك الدم وصلي
“Wash off the blood and perform your prayer.”
[Bukhārī – 306; Muslim – 333]
✔ Ghusl is not obligatory in Istihāḍah, but can be done for cleanliness.
She may perform Ghusl:
[Abū Dāwūd – 291, 287, 303, 301; Ṣaḥīḥ]
✔ However, she must do Wudu for each prayer if bleeding persists.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
توضئي لكل صلاة
“Perform Wudu for each prayer.”
[Bukhārī, Book of Wudu – 227]
✔ She may also combine prayers (Dhuhr + ʿAsr, Maghrib + ʿIshā), and pray Fajr separately.
[Abū Dāwūd – 294; Tirmidhī – 128; Ṣaḥīḥ]
✔ If a woman cannot differentiate between menstrual and Istihāḍah blood, she should:
Those suffering from:
They may perform one Wudu for each prayer time, and discharge during prayer does not invalidate purification or the prayer.
[Abū Dāwūd – 292]
❖ Definition of Tayammum
In the absence of water or when water cannot be used due to valid reasons, Islamic Shari'ah has allowed pure earth as a substitute for water. If using water is harmful, or water is unavailable, Tayammum (dry ablution) is permitted, and purification is attained from clean earth just as it is attained from water.
❖ Evidence from the Qur'an
Allah Almighty says:
وَإِن كُنتُمْ جُنُبًا فَاطَّهَّرُوا ۚ وَإِن كُنتُم مَّرْضَىٰ أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ أَوْ جَاءَ أَحَدٌ مِّنكُم مِّنَ الْغَائِطِ أَوْ لَامَسْتُمُ النِّسَاءَ فَلَمْ تَجِدُوا مَاءً فَتَيَمَّمُوا صَعِيدًا طَيِّبًا فَامْسَحُوا بِوُجُوهِكُمْ وَأَيْدِيكُم مِّنْهُ
(Surah al-Mā’idah: 6)
“And if you are in a state of Janābah, then purify yourselves. But if you are ill or on a journey, or one of you has relieved himself, or you have had intimate contact with women and you do not find water—then perform Tayammum with clean earth and wipe your faces and hands with it.”
❖ Rulings Derived from the Verse
① Tayammum replaces both Ghusl and Wudu.
② It is allowed when using water is harmful.
③ It is allowed when water is not accessible.
④ Clean earth must be used.
⑤ Method of performing Tayammum is specified.
❖ Scenarios of Water Unavailability
- No water in the surroundings.
- Water available is insufficient for Wudu.
- Water is only enough for drinking, and using it for Wudu would leave none for drinking.
In such cases, Tayammum should be performed with pure earth.
❖ Forms of Pure Earth for Tayammum
◈ All surfaces of the ground—except solid rock—are considered part of earth.
◈ Dust, sand, mud walls, and dust-covered items can be used for Tayammum.
❖ Sunnah Method of Performing Tayammum
✔ Intention (niyyah) for purification is required.
✔ Say “Bismillah” as in Wudu.
✔ Strike both hands upon clean earth.
✔ Blow off excess dust from hands.
✔ Wipe the face, then wipe the left hand with the right and vice versa.
[Bukhārī, Book of Tayammum, Chapter: Blowing on Hands – 338; Muslim – 368]✔ Alternatively, wipe both hands first and then the face.
[Bukhārī, Book of Tayammum, Chapter: Tayammum with One Strike – 347; Muslim – 368]❖ Is Tayammum Required for Every Prayer?
Some assume that a new Tayammum is needed for every prayer. This is baseless.
Since earth substitutes water, it holds the same rulings.
Hence, Tayammum remains valid until it breaks.
❖ Additional Rulings Regarding Tayammum
◈ A single Tayammum suffices for multiple required acts of purification (e.g., multiple Ghusl).
◈ If a person did Tayammum in place of Ghusl, and then only Wudu breaks, then only Wudu is needed again, not Ghusl.
[al-Kāfī by Ibn Qudāmah, Chapter: 150]◈ The same procedure applies when performing Tayammum for a deceased person.
◈ There is no time limit for Tayammum—it remains valid as long as the excuse exists.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
الصعيد الطيب وضوء المسلم ولو إلى عشر سنين
“Pure earth is a source of purification for a Muslim, even for ten years (if water is not found).”
[Abū Dāwūd – 332; Tirmidhī – 124; Ṣaḥīḥ]❖ If Water Becomes Available After Prayer with Tayammum
✔ There is no need to repeat the prayer.
✔ But if someone does repeat it, he is rewarded double.
Narration: Two companions prayed with Tayammum, found water soon after, one repeated the prayer, the other did not. When they informed the Prophet ﷺ, he said to the one who didn’t:“You acted upon the Sunnah; your first prayer suffices.”
And to the one who repeated: “You shall have double the reward.”
[Abū Dāwūd – 338; Ṣaḥīḥ]❖ What Invalidates Tayammum?
✔ Anything that breaks Ghusl or Wudu also breaks Tayammum.
✔ Availability of water also breaks Tayammum.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
فإذا وجدت الماء فأمسه جلدك فإن ذلك خير
“When you find water, let it touch your skin, for that is better.”
[Abū Dāwūd – 332; Tirmidhī – 124; Ṣaḥīḥ]➡ Even during prayer, if one is informed of available water and is capable of using it, they must stop the prayer, perform Wudu, and restart the prayer.
❖ Purification for the Sick and Disabled
Allah says:
فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُمْ وَاسْمَعُوا وَأَطِيعُوا
(Surah at-Taghābun: 16)
“So fear Allah as much as you are able; listen and obey.”
And He says:
لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا
(Surah al-Baqarah: 286)
“Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.”
❖ For a Wounded Person
✔ Ibn ʿUmar رضي الله عنهما said:
“Let him wash around the wound and wipe over it.”
[al-Sunan al-Kubrā by al-Bayhaqī – 1/228, 1079; Ṣaḥīḥ]✔ If the entire body is injured, Tayammum is allowed.
✔ There is no time limit on wiping over a bandage or cast—it continues as long as the injury remains.
❖ For a Sick Person
✔ Tayammum is allowed when using water may worsen the illness, such as in cold climates with no means to warm water.
Sayyidunā ʿAmr ibn al-ʿĀṣ رضي الله عنه said:
“During the expedition of Dhāt al-Salāsil, I had a nocturnal emission on a cold night. Fearing death from using water, I performed Tayammum and led Fajr prayer. When the Prophet ﷺ was informed, he did not object.”
[Abū Dāwūd – 334; Ṣaḥīḥ]❖ The Issue of Istihāḍah (Prolonged Bleeding)
✔ Istihāḍah is blood or yellowish discharge due to illness.
✔ A woman in such a state is considered pure and should continue acts of worship like a normal woman.
[Bukhārī, Book of Menstruation, Chapter on Istihāḍah – 306; Muslim – 333]✔ Many women wrongly consider Istihāḍah as menstruation and abandon Salah and Sawm—this is a grave error.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
فاغسلي عنك الدم وصلي
“Wash off the blood and perform your prayer.”
[Bukhārī – 306; Muslim – 333]✔ Ghusl is not obligatory in Istihāḍah, but can be done for cleanliness.
She may perform Ghusl:
- for each prayer
- for every two prayers
- once a day
- or occasionally during her Istihāḍah days
[Abū Dāwūd – 291, 287, 303, 301; Ṣaḥīḥ]✔ However, she must do Wudu for each prayer if bleeding persists.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
توضئي لكل صلاة
“Perform Wudu for each prayer.”
[Bukhārī, Book of Wudu – 227]✔ She may also combine prayers (Dhuhr + ʿAsr, Maghrib + ʿIshā), and pray Fajr separately.
[Abū Dāwūd – 294; Tirmidhī – 128; Ṣaḥīḥ]✔ If a woman cannot differentiate between menstrual and Istihāḍah blood, she should:
- Follow her habit if it exists.
- Or refer to the habit of a close relative (e.g. mother, sister) and follow that for menstruation.
❖ When Does a Sick Person's Purification Break?
Those suffering from:
- Istihāḍah
- Vaginal discharge (leukorrhea)
- Incontinence (urine drops)
- Passing gas uncontrollably
They may perform one Wudu for each prayer time, and discharge during prayer does not invalidate purification or the prayer.
[Abū Dāwūd – 292]