When water is not available or cannot be used, Islam provides a beautiful alternative: Tayammum.

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Introduction

Tayammum is a form of purification in Islam that involves using clean earth when water is unavailable or harmful due to illness. It reflects Islam’s practicality and mercy — emphasising that purity is essential, but hardship is never imposed beyond one’s capacity.

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"And if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the toilet or you have contacted women and do not find water, then perform tayammum with clean earth and wipe over your faces and hands with it. Indeed, Allah is ever Pardoning and Forgiving."
— Surah An-Nisa (4:43)

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When Is Tayammum Allowed?

You may perform Tayammum if:

• 🚱 Water is unavailable within reasonable effort

• 🚫 Water is harmful to use (e.g. due to illness or wounds)

• ❄️ Extremely cold conditions with no way to heat water

• 🕒 Fear of missing prayer time while searching for water

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✨ How to Perform Tayammum – Step-by-Step

The Prophet ﷺ demonstrated Tayammum by striking the ground once and wiping his face and hands.
(Sahih al-Bukhari 338, Sahih Muslim 368)

1. Make Niyyah (Intention)

• In your heart: “I intend to perform Tayammum so I may pray.”

2. Say Bismillah (optional but recommended)

3. Strike Clean Earth Once

• Tap both hands on pure, dry soil, sand, or a dusty surface (brick, stone, wall, etc.)

4. Wipe Your Face

• With your hands, gently wipe your entire face.

5. Wipe Your Hands

• Wipe your right hand with your left, then your left hand with your right, up to the wrists.

🟢 That’s it — you are now in a state of ritual purity and can pray, recite Qur’an, and do acts of worship requiring wudu.

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⚠️ Important Notes:

• Tayammum does not replace ghusl if janābah (major impurity) exists — unless water is also unavailable.

• It remains valid until:

  • You find water

  • Your reason for Tayammum is gone

  • You break wudu (e.g., use the restroom)

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Tayammum is a sign of Allah’s mercy — a simple, dignified way to stay spiritually connected even in challenging circumstances.