ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Jurisprudence Made Easy Dialogue on Tayamum When my father said he would talk today about tayamum, the word rang a bell, which is no wonder, for I have come across it when I recite the Holy Qur’an, or listen to it recited. I have been brought up to recite and learn as much of the Qur’an as possible. It has become a daily routine. When I do so, I feel peace of mind, serene heart, and refreshed memory. Reciting the Holy Qur’an is not an end in itself.

But a means to understanding the Creator’s injunctions. It should be a way of refining one’s character, learning how to conduct oneself within the family and in society at large. Reciting the Holy Book should be a source of knowledge and a means to becoming firm in belief. Despite the discovery of the familiarity of the word of tayamum, I remembered neither the verse it was in nor the name of the chapter. So, the first thing I did was to ask my father about the verse.

* Father, I can’t remember the name of the Chapter in which the verse of tayamum is mentioned. Could you remind me of it? - The Chapter is that of Nisa, “..and if you were sick, or on a journey, or one of you passed stool, or you have touched (had a sexual intercourse with) women, and you cannot find water, betake yourselves to pure earth, then wipe your faces and your hands; surely Allah is Pardoning, Forgiving” . (4/43).

As you may have noticed the verse outlined when, with what, and how we perform tayamum. Let’s then discuss them one by one. * So, when do we perform tayamum? - We do tayamum instead of ghusl or wudhu in certain situations, some of which are: 1. When there is not sufficient water for either ghusl or wudhu. 2.

When there is sufficient water, but there may be a barrier to fetching, or using it, such as you may have a disability, or your using the water could entail a sinful act - using a maghsoub utensil for example - or you may fear for your safety, honour, or possessions. 3.

When there may be a possibility that using water for ghusl or wudhu might deplete your supply of water, so much so that there may not be sufficient quantity of water to quench one’s thirst, including members of your family, relatives, and even one’s livestock. 4. When there is not ample time to conduct ghusl and say an obligatory prayer in full and on time. 5. When obtaining water could lead to putting oneself in an untenable situation. 6.