Definition
The Sharī‘ah-prescribed substitute for wuḍū' or ghusl when water is absent, insufficient, or harmful to use. Performed by striking the hands on clean earth once, wiping the face, then the hands.
Pronunciation: ta-YAM-mum
Etymology & Root
From أ-م-م (a-m-m), meaning 'to intend, to head toward.' One 'heads toward' clean earth as a substitute.
Usage in the Qur'an
'And if you do not find water, then perform tayammum with clean earth — wipe your faces and your hands with it.' (al-Mā'idah 5:6)
Practical Application
Tayammum is a mercy of the Sharī‘ah — for the sick, the traveller, and one in extreme cold without means to warm water.
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