the Prophet ordered him to perform Tayammum by rubbing his face and two palms.
The Book on Purification - Jami' at-Tirmidhi
Hadith Reference: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 144
Textual Analysis
The command to perform Tayammum by rubbing the face and two palms indicates the essential limbs required for this purification. The face includes everything from the hairline to the chin and from ear to ear, while the palms extend to the wrists.
Legal Ruling
This hadith establishes that Tayammum serves as a valid substitute for ritual purification with water when water is unavailable, harmful to use, or difficult to obtain. The Prophet's specific instruction demonstrates the minimal requirements for this act of purification.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam at-Tirmidhi and other classical scholars explain that this narration confirms the legitimacy of Tayammum as an alternative purification method. The rubbing motion (dalk) is essential, not merely placing the hands on the earth. The wisdom behind specifying these limbs is that they are the most exposed during prayer and represent the primary areas requiring purification.
Scholars further note that the soil used must be pure and contain dust, and that the intention (niyyah) is obligatory, though not mentioned explicitly in this particular narration, as it is established through other evidences.