What Is Tayammum and How Is It Performed?

Tayammum is a form of purification that replaces wudu and ghusl when water is unavailable or cannot be used. It is performed by striking the hands on clean earth or an earthen surface and wiping the face and arms. Allah granted this concession to His servants as an ease (Al-Maidah 5:6).

What is tayammum

Tayammum is a symbolic purification performed with intention when ablution or ghusl with water is not possible. Linguistically it means 'to turn toward, to intend.' It is clearly permitted in the Quran and is one of the eases that Islam brings.

When is it permitted

Tayammum is permitted when there is not enough water for wudu or ghusl, or when using water would worsen an illness or delay recovery. It may also be done when reaching water is dangerous, or when the available water must be kept for drinking. This concession ensures that worship is never abandoned.

How to perform tayammum

First, one says 'Bismillah' with the intention of purification. The hands are struck on clean earth, stone, or an earthen surface, dusted off, and the whole face is wiped. Then the hands are struck on the surface a second time, and the right arm and then the left arm are wiped up to the elbows.

What invalidates tayammum

Everything that invalidates wudu also invalidates tayammum. In addition, tayammum ends when the excuse for it disappears, that is, when water becomes available or usable. Once water is obtained, one must perform wudu again. You can easily find the prayer times and qibla direction using the tools on our site.