❖ Question
In extremely cold weather, if a person is in a state of janābah (major ritual impurity) and cannot perform ghusl due to risk of illness or physical harm (e.g., worsening back pain), is it permissible to perform tayammum and offer ṣalāh?❖ Ruling on Ghusl in Janābah
Performing ghusl in the state of janābah is obligatory before offering prayer. This is based on the clear command of Allah ﷻ:﴿وَإِن كُنتُم جُنُبًا فَاطَّهَّرُوا﴾
“And if you are in a state of janābah, then purify yourselves.”
— Surah al-Mā’idah: 6
❖ When Is Tayammum Permissible?
Tayammum is permissible under the following conditions:➤ Non-availability of water
➤ Illness or fear of worsening illness by using water
➤ Lack of means to heat water in extreme cold
➤ Potential harm from using cold water
This is supported by the verse:
﴿فَلَمْ تَجِدُوا مَاءً فَتَيَمَّمُوا صَعِيدًا طَيِّبًا﴾
“…and you find no water, then perform tayammum with clean earth.”
— Surah al-Mā’idah: 6
❖ Divine Wisdom Behind Tayammum
Allah ﷻ says:"Allah does not intend to make difficulty for you, but He intends to purify you and complete His favor upon you, so that you may be grateful."
— Surah al-Mā’idah: 6
This verse highlights that the purpose of tayammum is ease, not hardship, especially in circumstances beyond a person’s control.
❖ Evidence from Hadith
Narrated by ʿAmr ibn al-ʿĀṣ (رضي الله عنه):During the expedition of Dhāt al-Salāsil, I had a nocturnal emission on a very cold night. Fearing for my life if I performed ghusl, I instead performed tayammum and led the prayer. When this was mentioned to the Prophet ﷺ, he asked, “O ʿAmr, did you lead the people in prayer while you were in a state of janābah?”
I replied, “I remembered Allah’s verse: ‘Do not kill yourselves, indeed Allah is merciful to you.’” The Prophet ﷺ smiled and said nothing.
— Sunan Abī Dāwūd: 334 – Classified as Ṣaḥīḥ
Ḥāfiẓ Ibn Ḥajar (رحمه الله) comments:
“This ḥadīth proves that tayammum is permissible if using water may result in serious harm due to cold, and such a person may also lead others in prayer.”
— Fatḥ al-Bārī: 1/454
❖ Fatwā of Shaykh ʿAbd al-ʿAzīz ibn Bāz (رحمه الله)
Shaykh ibn Bāz explains:✔ If hot water is available or can be purchased or heated, then ghusl is obligatory.
✔ If no such facility exists and there is a real risk of illness, tayammum is valid.
Allah ﷻ says:
"So fear Allah as much as you are able."
— Surah al-Taghābun: 16
If incapable of using water, such a person is like one who has no water at all and hence tayammum becomes permissible.
❖ Recommended Practice
◈ If some body parts can be washed without harm, do so (e.g., hands, arms, feet).◈ For the rest of the body, perform tayammum.
This combined approach balances the obligation and available capacity.
❖ Supplication
May Allah ﷻ grant you complete shifā’ (healing), make your hardship a means of expiation of sins, and elevate your ranks in the Hereafter. Āmīn.
Conclusion:Tayammum is a legitimate and compassionate concession granted by Allah ﷻ in situations of hardship such as severe cold, illness, or lack of water, especially in the case of janābah. As long as necessary conditions are met, one may offer prayers after tayammum with confidence and peace of mind.
