The Hadith of Tayammum

Narrated 'Ammar bin Yasir: The Prophet (ﷺ) stroked the earth with his hands and then passed them over his face and the backs of his hands (while demonstrating Tayammum). [Sahih al-Bukhari 343]

Legal Ruling and Significance

This hadith establishes Tayammum (dry ablution) as a legitimate purification method when water is unavailable or its use would cause harm. The Prophet's demonstration shows the proper method: striking clean earth with both hands, then wiping the face and the backs of the hands.

Scholars note that this action demonstrates the ease and mercy in Islamic law, as Allah provides alternatives when facing genuine hardship. The backs of the hands are specifically mentioned to distinguish Tayammum from regular ablution (wudu), where palms are washed.

Conditions for Validity

Tayammum is permitted only when: water cannot be found within reasonable distance; water is available but its use would endanger life, health, or property; or when water is needed for drinking and purification would cause thirst.

The substance used must be pure earth, sand, or dust. The entire face must be wiped once, and the hands up to the wrists, following the Prophet's example of passing hands over the backs of them.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam al-Nawawi comments that this hadith proves Tayammum replaces both major and minor impurity. The striking of earth must be sufficient to leave dust on the hands. The wiping should be complete but not excessive.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes that the Prophet's demonstration was practical instruction, emphasizing that Tayammum requires intention (niyyah) like all acts of worship. The permissibility ends once water becomes available or the impediment is removed.