Lesson No 46

17. How many obligatories are there in Tayam-mum?

Ans. There are three obligatories in it:

1. Intention;
2. striking the two palms on the sod or lump of dry clay and applying those hands to the face; and
3. striking both the palms against the sod once again and the two hands to the elbows.

17. What is complete formula for Tayam-mum?

Ans. First, affirm the intention that you are performing the Tayam-mum to secure cleanness from uncleanness and to offer Salat. Then strike the two hands over the lump of clay and give them a shake. Now, if your hands have become too much smeared with dust, blow the extra dust away and take them across the face in such a manner that no part of the face is left out. If a spot equal to the breadth of a single hair is left, Tayam-mum is not valid. Again, strike the palms on the lump of clay. Then give them a shake, put four fingers of your left hand below the fingers of the right hand and draw them up to the elbow. The lower side of the right hand is thus covered. Now, put the palm of the left hand on the upper side of the elbow and move it down to the fingers. Then move the inner side of the left thumb on the back of the right thumb. Then apply the right on the left one in like manner. Then pass the fingers of one hand into those of the other. If there is a ring in one of the fingers, it is necessary to take it off or move it round. Passing the fingers through the beard is also one of the precepts of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

17. Can Tayam-mum be a substitute for both ablution and bath?

Ans. Yes, it can be a substitute for both.

17. What things can be used for purposes of Tayam-mum?

Ans. Tayam-mum is allowed with clean soil, stone, lime, unpolished earthen wares, baked and unbaked clay bricks or wall made of mud, bricks, stone or lime or brown clay. Similarly, Tayam-mum is allowed with clean dust.

17. Which things are not allowed to be used in Tayam-mum?

Ans. Tayam-mum is not allowed on wood, iron, silver, gold, copper, brass, aluminum glass, lead, wheat, barley and other grains, cloth and ashes. In other words, things that offer themselves to melt or be burnt to as has do not qualify for permissible items for Tayam-mum.