Purification of the body and clothes before prayer is called taharah. [1] X Research source
There is a more intense cleansing called ghusl that is required after instances of “uncleanliness” (such as sexual intercourse, menstruation, and child birth). Ghusl involves bathing the entire body. [3] X Research source Wudu is nullified after any natural discharge (urine, gas, stool, ejaculation), after falling asleep, or after any type of unconsciousness. If one of these things has happened to you, you must perform wudu again before you engage in salah. [4] X Research source
When acceptable water is not available within a one mile radius. When there is a legitimate fear that an enemy or a dangerous animal is near the water. When using your water for wudu would risk not having enough water to drink later. When there is no means of getting water out of the well (no rope or bucket to draw the water). When using water would be dangerous to your health. When you don’t have enough money to purchase water that is being sold. When water is being sold at an unreasonable price. When there is no trace of water and no person to ask about where to find water.
Permitted types of water include fresh water from a pond or well, melted snow, well water, or river/sea/spring water. [7] X Research source Prohibited kinds of water include unclean water, water whose color has changed, water into which something impure has fallen, water extracted from fruit and trees, water left over after animals have been drinking it, or water previously used in wudu or ghusl.
Items on which tayammum is accepted include[8] X Research source : Taahir (pure) earth Sand Stone Limestone Baked earthen pots Walls made of mud, stone, or brick Clay Any item with a thick covering of dust The first preference is fresh earth, but if none is available you can choose clay, a lump of sand, or even a stone if necessary. [9] X Research source Items that are not acceptable to perform tayammum on include[10] X Research source : Wood Metal Glass Food items Anything that burns to ash or melts
If the location of tayammum is impure, you must purify it with water. If there is no water to purify the location, you can use any of the items that are permitted to use for tayammum (listed above).
If you have no water to wet your hands, you can use any of the items that are permitted for tayammum (listed above) to wipe the top of each of your covered feet. You can do this for up to 24 hours. However, if you are traveling, this method will work for three days. [12] X Research source
If you make a mistake in the order, you must begin your tayammum from the beginning again.
This phrase begins the first verse of the first chapter of the Qur’an. This fact emphasizes the importance of beginning your tayammum in the name of Allah. [14] X Research source
It is important to announce your intention for tayammum so that the entirety of the sacred ritual is maintained and respected. You do not need to verbally say the niyyah; this was never done by the Prophet. You just need to have the intention in your heart. [16] X Research source
It is not necessary to cover your hands completely with the earth – just touch it with your palms.
