The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "I have been given five things which were not given to any one else before me. -1. Allah made me victorious by awe, (by His frightening my enemies) for a distance of one month's journey. -2. The earth has been made for me (and for my followers) a place for praying and a thing to perform Tayammum, therefore anyone of my followers can pray wherever the time of a prayer is due. -3. The booty has been made Halal (lawful) for me yet it was not lawful for anyone else before me. -4. I have been given the right of intercession (on the Day of Resurrection). -5. Every Prophet used to be sent to his nation only but I have been sent to all mankind.
Rubbing hands and feet with dust (Tayammum)
Sahih al-Bukhari - Hadith 335
Hadith Text
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "I have been given five things which were not given to any one else before me. -1. Allah made me victorious by awe, (by His frightening my enemies) for a distance of one month's journey. -2. The earth has been made for me (and for my followers) a place for praying and a thing to perform Tayammum, therefore anyone of my followers can pray wherever the time of a prayer is due. -3. The booty has been made Halal (lawful) for me yet it was not lawful for anyone else before me. -4. I have been given the right of intercession (on the Day of Resurrection). -5. Every Prophet used to be sent to his nation only but I have been sent to all mankind."
Commentary on the Second Privilege
The second exclusive privilege mentioned—that the earth has been made a place of prayer and a means for purification—contains profound wisdom. The earth as a masjid signifies the removal of geographical restrictions for worship, unlike previous nations who were confined to specific places. This demonstrates the universality and ease of Islam.
Tayammum with pure earth when water is unavailable or its use harmful represents Allah's mercy in facilitating worship under difficult circumstances. Scholars explain this concession maintains the spiritual connection with Allah even when conventional purification is impossible, showing Islam's adaptability to human conditions while preserving worship's sanctity.
Legal Rulings Derived
From this hadith, jurists derive that prayer is valid anywhere on earth except specifically impure places. The entire earth becomes a mosque for the Muslim community.
Regarding Tayammum, scholars establish it as a valid substitute for ablution when: water is unavailable within reasonable distance, using water would cause harm, or water is needed for drinking. The valid material for Tayammum is pure earth or anything containing dust.
Spiritual Significance
These privileges collectively demonstrate Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) unique status among prophets and the comprehensive nature of his message. The earth as purification medium reminds believers of their origin from dust and ultimate return to it, fostering humility.
The combination of prayer facilitation and purification concessions reflects Islam's balanced approach—honoring both the spiritual need for purity and the practical realities of human life, ensuring worship remains accessible to all believers in all circumstances.