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The question

What is the meaning of the Hadith: "Pure earth is the purification of the Muslim," and what is the rest of it, with a request for a simple explanation of its meaning?

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Source: FtawySummarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported Sep 2, 20261 min readAlso available in العربية
The answer

The aforementioned Hadith in the question, narrated by Abu Dharr Al-Ghifari (may Allah be pleased with him), states that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Indeed, pure earth is the purification of the Muslim, even if he does not find water for ten years. But if he finds water, then let him touch it to his skin, for that is better." This is an authentic Hadith related to Tayammum (dry ablution).

Tayammum is a concession from Allah for a Muslim if he loses water or is unable to use it due to illness or need. He strikes his hands on pure earth (which is everything that rises from the surface of the earth, such as dust, stone, sand, and the like), then wipes his face and palms with the intention of purification.

His saying: "pure earth" means pure dust, and his saying: "purification of the Muslim" means a purifier for him. And his saying: "even if he does not find water for ten years" means that Tayammum is permissible for a long period, even if it reaches ten years. And his saying: "But if he finds water, then let him touch it to his skin" means that if the Muslim finds water or the excuse is removed, he must use water for purification by performing Wudu (ablution) or Ghusl (ritual bath), because Tayammum is a purification restricted to the removal of the excuse.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported

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Source platform
Ftawy
Original fatwa ID
4761
Imported
Translation status
Source text, unreviewed
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