He (the Holy Prophet) struck hands upon the earth, and then shook them and then wiped his face and palm.
The Book of Menstruation - Sahih Muslim 368b
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. This narration from our mother Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) describes the Prophet's (peace be upon him) action when performing tayammum (dry ablution) due to the absence of water or inability to use it.
Textual Analysis
The phrase "struck hands upon the earth" indicates the initial action of placing both palms firmly on pure earth or dust. The subsequent "shook them" demonstrates the Prophetic practice of removing excess dust by gently shaking the hands. Finally, "wiped his face and palm" shows the proper sequence: first the entire face, then the hands up to the wrists.
Juridical Rulings
This hadith establishes that tayammum requires one strike on pure earth for both face and hands. The wiping of palms includes both the right and left hands, contrary to some opinions requiring two separate strikes. The shaking action indicates moderation in using dust - neither excessive nor insufficient.
Spiritual Dimensions
Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) notes that tayammum symbolizes Allah's facilitation in religion - when water is unavailable, pure earth becomes a means of purification. This demonstrates the beauty of Islamic jurisprudence's adaptability while maintaining spiritual purity.
Practical Application
The scholars derived from this that tayammum follows the same sequence as wudu: intention, striking earth, wiping face, then hands. The Hanafi school holds that wiping extends to the elbows, while others limit it to the wrists based on this narration's wording.