I have had a seminal emission but I found no water, and the rest of the hadith is the same but with this addition: 'Amr said: 0 Commander of the Faithful, because of the right given to you by Allah over me, if you desire, I would not narrate this hadith to anyone.
The Book of Menstruation - Sahih Muslim 368d
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and may peace and blessings be upon His final Messenger Muhammad.
Textual Analysis
This narration from Sahih Muslim addresses the situation where a person experiences a seminal emission but finds no water available for purification. The companion 'Amr demonstrates exemplary wisdom in his approach to conveying religious knowledge to the Commander of the Faithful.
Legal Ruling on Seminal Emission
According to the consensus of scholars, seminal emission requires ghusl (ritual bath) for purification. The absence of water necessitates tayammum (dry ablution) using pure earth, as established in Quran 4:43 and 5:6. This principle applies regardless of whether the emission occurred during sleep or wakefulness.
Etiquette of Advising Rulers
'Amr's statement demonstrates the proper manner of advising those in authority - with respect and discretion. He acknowledges the ruler's rights while offering to withhold the narration if desired. This reflects the Prophetic teaching that whoever advises a ruler should do so privately and gently.
Practical Application
When water is unavailable after janabah (major impurity), one must perform tayammum by striking pure earth with both hands and wiping the face and arms. This purification permits prayer and Quran recitation until water becomes available, at which point ghusl becomes obligatory.