tayammum

Tayammum is an Islamic ritual purification that is performed when water is unavailable or when its use would be harmful. It is a substitute for ablution (wudu) or full body washing (ghusl) and allows Muslims to perform prayer and other acts of worship that require a state of purity. The ritual involves striking the hands on clean earth, sand, or any porous natural substance, and then wiping the face and hands with the dust.

The permissibility of tayammum is established in the Quran and Sunnah. It is generally allowed when a person is traveling and cannot find water, or when one is ill and using water would exacerbate their condition. It can also be performed if there is a fear of scarcity of water for drinking or other essential needs. The intention to purify oneself for worship is a crucial element of the tayammum.

The process of tayammum is simple. First, one must have the intention to perform tayammum. Then, they strike their hands flat on clean earth or a similar substance. The hands are then blown on to remove excess dust, and the palms are passed over the face from the forehead to the chin. Following this, the hands are struck on the earth again, and the left hand is used to wipe the right arm up to the elbow, and then the right hand is used to wipe the left arm. Some schools of thought also include wiping the forearms. Tayammum remains valid until the person is able to perform wudu or ghusl with water, or until it is invalidated by events that would normally nullify ablution, such as passing wind.