Can I Perform Tayamum When Only Wudu Facilities Are Available?

Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Question

If someone needs to achieve purity from major impurity but has no access to ghusl facilities, is it permissible to perform tayammum to pray while wudu facilities are available?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Merciful and Compassionate.

I hope you’re doing well, insha’Allah.

The dry ablution (tayammum) is only valid when water is genuinely unavailable, or its use would cause harm or undue hardship.

Allah Most High makes clear: “If you do not find water, then perform tayammum with clean earth.” [Quran 5:6]

The Prophet said that clean earth suffices “when he does not find water” [Abu Dawud], clearly tying tayammum to actual lack of water.

If water is available, then one needs to take the reasonable means to make ghusl, and tayammum wouldn’t be sufficient. [Tahtawi/Shurunbulali, Hashiyat Maraqi al-Falah]

In such situations, see if you can go home or find a mosque, gym, or other facilities where you can take a shower in a dignified manner. The believer plans and takes the means, in their deen and in their dunya.

And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani is a recognized specialist scholar in the Islamic sciences, having studied under leading scholars from around the world. He is the Founder and Executive Director of SeekersGuidance.

Shaykh Faraz stands as a distinguished figure in Islamic scholarship. His journey in seeking knowledge is marked by dedication and depth. He spent ten years studying under some of the most revered scholars of our times. His initial studies took place in Damascus. He then continued in Amman, Jordan.

In Damascus, he was privileged to learn from the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas. Shaykh Adib al-Kallas was renowned as the foremost theologian of his time. Shaykh Faraz also studied under Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi in Damascus. Shaykh Hassan is recognized as one of the leading Hanafi jurists of our era.

Upon completing his studies, Shaykh Faraz returned to Canada in 2007. His return marked a new chapter in his service to the community. He founded SeekersGuidance. The organization reflects his commitment to spreading Islamic knowledge. It aims to be reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible. This mission addresses both online and on-the-ground needs.

Shaykh Faraz is also an accomplished author. His notable work includes “Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School,” which was published by White Thread Press in 2004 and is a significant contribution to Islamic literature.

His influence extends beyond his immediate community. Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been recognized as one of the 500 most influential Muslims. This recognition comes from the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center. It underscores his impact on the global Islamic discourse.

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani’s life and work embody a profound commitment to Islamic scholarship. His teachings continue to enlighten and guide seekers of knowledge worldwide.