The Book of Purification - Sunan an-Nasa'i 323

"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) sent Usaid bin Hudair and some other people to look for a necklace that 'Aishah had left behind in a place where she had stopped (while traveling). The time for prayer came and they did not have Wudu', and they could not find any water, so they prayed without Wudu'. They mentioned that to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), and Allah, the Mighty and Sublime revealed the verse of Tayammum. Usaid bin Hudair said: 'May Allah reward you with good, for by Allah, nothing ever happened to you that you dislike, but Allah makes it good for you and the Muslims.'"

Historical Context & Divine Legislation

This incident occurred during a journey when the Companions faced a situation where water was unavailable for purification. Their sincere intention to pray despite the absence of water demonstrates their commitment to worship.

Allah's wisdom manifested through this difficulty, as it became the occasion for revealing the concession of Tayammum - a merciful alternative purification method using clean earth when water is inaccessible.

Scholarly Commentary on Tayammum

Tayammum represents Allah's mercy in facilitating worship during hardship. Scholars explain it involves striking pure earth with hands and wiping the face and arms up to elbows, serving as spiritual purification when physical purification with water is impossible.

This ruling applies when water is unavailable, insufficient for both drinking and purification, or when using water would cause harm. The Companions' initial prayer without purification was later validated through this divine revelation.

Wisdom in Divine Decree

Usaid's statement highlights a profound Islamic principle: what appears as difficulty often contains divine wisdom and benefit for believers. 'Aishah's lost necklace, though initially problematic, became the means for establishing a lasting concession benefiting the entire Muslim community.

This illustrates how Allah transforms apparent hardships into sources of mercy, demonstrating His comprehensive knowledge and perfect planning for His servants' welfare.