Is it permissible to perform ablution with snow instead of water, and when is that permissible? Is it when water is unavailable, and is it obligatory to search for water at that time?

It is permissible to purify oneself with snow if it has melted, by the agreement of the jurists. However, before it melts, jurists hold three different opinions:

1. First Opinion: The Malikis, Hanbalis, and Hanafis (their adopted view) believe it is impermissible unless it drips and flows over the limb. If it does not flow, it is not considered washing. 2. Second Opinion: Abu Yusuf from the Hanafis and Al-Awza'i permit purification with it even if it does not drip. 3. Third Opinion: The Shafi'is differentiate: if it flows over the limb, the ablution is valid; otherwise, it is not valid for the washed parts, but valid for the wiped parts.

Accordingly, the majority believe that ablution with snow is not valid if it does not flow. If melting the snow is difficult due to the absence of water, there is a differing opinion from Imam Malik regarding performing tayammum with it, while the Hanbalis believe it is obligatory to wipe the limbs with it, with two narrations regarding repeating the prayer.