"I have become Junub and I do not have any water." 'Umar said: "Do not pray." But 'Ammar bin Yasir said: "O Commander of the Believers! Don't you remember when you and I were on a campaign and we became Junub and could not find water? You did not pray, but I rolled in the dust and prayed. Then we came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and told him about that, and he said: 'It would have been sufficient for you (to do this),' then the Prophet (ﷺ) struck his hands on the ground and blew on them, then wiped his face and hands with them'" - (one of the narrators) Salamah was uncertain and did not know whether that was up to the elbows or just hands. And 'Umar said: "We will let you bear the burden of what you took upon yourself."
The Book of Purification - Sunan an-Nasa'i 312
This narration from Sunan an-Nasa'i presents a foundational case regarding tayammum (dry ablution) when water is unavailable for purification from major impurity (janabah). The incident demonstrates the wisdom of Islamic jurisprudence in providing practical alternatives while maintaining ritual purity.
Scholarly Commentary on the Incident
The disagreement between 'Umar and 'Ammar reflects the early understanding of purification requirements. 'Umar's initial position was cautious - without water, prayer should be postponed. 'Ammar's action of rolling in dust demonstrates his understanding that earth could substitute for water in exceptional circumstances.
The Prophet's (ﷺ) validation of 'Ammar's action established tayammum as a legitimate form of purification. His statement "It would have been sufficient for you" indicates the permissibility and completeness of this alternative purification method.
Methodology of Tayammum
The Prophet's demonstration provides the sunnah method: striking hands on pure earth, blowing to remove excess dust, then wiping the face and hands. The uncertainty in narration regarding whether to wipe up to elbows or just hands reflects the careful transmission of hadith and shows scholars' attention to precise details.
Classical scholars have reconciled this uncertainty by establishing that wiping the hands suffices in tayammum, unlike wudu which requires washing up to elbows. This distinction preserves the essential while recognizing the exceptional nature of tayammum.
Legal Implications and Wisdom
'Umar's final statement "We will let you bear the burden..." indicates his acceptance of the ruling while maintaining scholarly caution. This incident exemplifies how Islamic law accommodates genuine hardship without compromising religious obligations.
The ruling demonstrates Allah's mercy in facilitating worship despite obstacles. Tayammum remains valid until water becomes available or the reason for its permissibility ceases, allowing Muslims to maintain their prayer schedule while traveling or in conditions of water scarcity.