Tayammum is a purification method in Islam that serves as a substitute for Wudu (ablution) and Ghusl (full-body wash) when water is unavailable or cannot be used due to illness, extreme weather conditions, or other valid reasons. It allows Muslims to maintain their state of ritual purity and continue performing acts of worship, especially Salah (prayer), when water is not accessible or safe to use.

To perform Tayammum, begin with the intention (Niyyah) in your heart to purify yourself for the worship of Allah. The first step is to ensure that the area around you is clean. Next, place your hands on a clean surface such as soil, sand, or dust, ensuring that the surface is free from any impurities. Once your hands are placed on the clean surface, tap your palms gently on the ground, then blow off any excess dust.

After this, wipe your face with your hands from the forehead to the chin. Make sure that your hands cover the entire face area, including the sides of the face. Then, wipe both your arms from the tips of your fingers up to the elbows, starting with the right arm and then the left. The hands should be wiped in a gentle motion, ensuring that the palms and forearms are completely covered with the dust.

Tayammum is a simple yet significant act that symbolizes the flexibility and mercy of Islam, allowing a Muslim to maintain purity when water is not available. It is considered a temporary measure to ensure a Muslim can perform their religious obligations even under difficult circumstances. Tayammum highlights the importance of intentions in Islam, as the purity of the heart and the sincerity of the worshiper are just as crucial as physical cleanliness. By following the proper steps of Tayammum, Muslims are able to continue their prayers and acts of devotion with the peace of mind that they are still in a state of ritual purity.