How to perform Tayammum
In circumstances were water cannot be found, or there is only just enough for drinking, or if water is injurious to health, in such circumstances one can perform Tayammum (dry ablution ).
Allah says:
O you who believe! When you intend to offer As-Salat (the prayer), wash your faces and your hands (forearms) up to the elbows, rub (by passing wet hands over) your heads, and (wash) your feet up to ankles . If you are in a state of Jannaba (i.e. had a sexual discharge), purify yourself (bathe your whole body). But if you are ill or on a journey or any of you comes from answering the call of nature, or you have been in contact with women (i.e. sexual intercourse) and you find no water, then perform Tayammum with clean earth and rub therewith your faces and hands. Allah does not want to place you in difficulty, but He wants to purify you, and to complete His Favour on you that you may be thankful. (Quran 5:6)
Instances when At-Tayammum is Permitted
At-Tayammum is permitted only on specific instances as follows:
- Where the person cannot find water or the amount of water is not sufficient for Wudhu. However, before performing AT-Tayammum, the person is required to look for water earnestly from any possible source.
- When a person is injured or ill and believes that the use of water will worsen his/her condition, then, At-Tayammum is allowed.
- When water is too cold such that it may harm the person, AT-Tayammum is allowed if the user cannot find means of heating the water.
- When water is nearby, but the person is not able to fetch it due to fear for his/her life, family and wealth, (e.g. from an enemy either beast or human in the vicinity) then, At-Tayammum may be performed.
- When there is not enough water and one is forced to save what is available for drinking and/or cooking, then, At-Tayammum is allowed.
The Earth (Soil) to be used for At-Tayammaum
This should be pure earth or soil and can be sand, stone or gypsum which produce dust when hit with the hands.
How to Perform At-Tayammum
- Make intension in heart to perform At-Tayammum.
- Say Bismillah (In the Name of Allah).
- Strike both palms of hands on clean sand, dust or anything containing these (e.g. wall or stone) .
- Blow into the palms
- Wipe the face using both palms.(once)
- Thereafter using the left palm to wipe over the back of the right hand up to the wrist, and then, uses the right palm to wipe over the back of the left hand up to the wrist.
- Finish with the Dua as given above for Wudhu.