Tayammum (Dry Ablution) - When and How
When water is missing or its use would cause harm - travel, illness, extreme cold - Allah permitted tayammum: purification with clean earth instead of water.
Also searched as: tayammum ka tarika | how to do tayammum | matti se wuzu
How to
Steps in order
- 1Make intention for purification and say Bismillah.
- 2Strike both palms once on clean earth, dust or stone.
- 3Wipe the entire face once with both palms.
- 4Wipe the right hand with the left up to the wrist, then the left with the right.
When tayammum is allowed
No water within reach, water needed for drinking, illness or wounds that water would harm, or cold that would cause sickness - then tayammum stands in for wudu or ghusl.
As soon as water becomes available or the excuse ends, the concession ends - pray with water from then on.
The method
Intend purification, say Bismillah, strike both palms once on clean dust, stone or earth, blow off excess, wipe the whole face, then wipe both hands to the wrists.
One tayammum covers one prayer time in the Hanafi school; other schools allow more - follow your school and teachers.
Sources & review
Quran 4:43 and 5:6; Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim
Learn personal details from a qualified teacher; minor school differences exist.
Educational content — not a fatwa. See methodology and disclaimer.
Reviewed • 2026-01-01Our methodology
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I do tayammum on a wall or dust on luggage?
Yes - anything of the earth’s kind carrying dust, including stone, unbaked clay and dusty surfaces.
Does tayammum break like wudu?
Yes - the same breakers apply, plus finding water or the excuse ending.
Tayammum or makeup prayers later?
Pray on time with tayammum when it is valid - that prayer is complete and is not repeated in the Hanafi school.
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