How to Perform Tayammum: Ritual Purification Without Water in Islam

Tayammum, also known as dry ablution, is an alternative method of ablution (wudu) or ritual purification in Islam. It is performed when water is unavailable, scarce, or its use may cause harm due to health conditions, such as severe illness or injury. Muslims can perform Tayammum as a substitute for ablution or ritual bathing (ghusl) in such situations, ensuring that they maintain cleanliness and fulfill their religious obligations to the best of their ability, considering the circumstances.

First, one must have the intention to perform ablution and purifying himself, then says Bismillah, then strike the soil with your palms, shake off any debris from the soil and wipe your face with the two palms from top of the Face down as if you are wiping your face after dua. Then wipe round your two palms in and out to the wrist as if you are washing your hands. It must be pure dry soil: this can be sand, stone, brick or block and so on. Here is steps on how to perform Tayammum:

1. Intention (Niyyah): Make the intention (niyyah) to perform Tayammum for the purpose of ritual purification, with the intention of obeying Allah's commandments and fulfilling your religious obligations.

2. Find Clean Earth or Dust: Seek out clean and pure earth or dust. This can be sand, soil, or any dry substance that is free from impurities such as filth or najasah. Ensure that the earth is not contaminated and is suitable for use in Tayammum.

3. Strike the Earth: Gently strike the earth or dust with your hands, palms facing down. If there is a layer of dust on a solid surface, such as a stone or wall, you can gently wipe your hands over it to collect the dust.

4. Tap Hands: Lightly tap your hands together to remove any excess dust or particles. This ensures that you are using only the dust adhering to your hands for Tayammum.

5. Wipe Face: With the dust on your hands, lightly wipe your face once. Start from the forehead and move your hands downwards, ensuring that you cover the entire face, including the forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin.

6. Wipe Hands: After wiping your face, repeat the process by wiping your hands up to the wrists. Start from the fingertips and move your hands towards the wrists, ensuring that you cover both hands completely.

7. Completion of Prayer: Once Tayammum is performed, proceed with the performance of prayer (Salah) or any other acts of worship that require ritual purification. Tayammum remains valid until water becomes available or the conditions requiring it are no longer present.

It is important to note that Tayammum is a substitute for ablution (wudu) or ghusl (ritual bathing) only when water is unavailable or its use is not feasible due to specific circumstances such as illness, lack of access to water, or the fear of harm. Muslims should make every effort to use water for purification whenever possible, as it is the preferred method of cleansing in Islam.

Nothing is more authentic and clear than what 'Ammaar  related. He said: "I once became sexually impure and had no water, so I rolled in the dirt and prayed. This was mentioned to the Prophet  who said: "This would have been enough for you," and he struck the earth with his hands, blew them and then wiped his face and hands with them." [Imam Bukhaari & Imam Muslim narrated].

After performing Tayammum, one is pure and may perform any of the acts requiring ritual purification, such as praying. 

Alhamdulillah. May Allah purify our hearts to act only for His sake. Aameen.