Tayammum Ka Tarika – How to Perform Dry Ablution Step by Step (Urdu & English)

What is Tayammum?

Tayammum is the dry ablution that Muslims perform with clean earth instead of water, when water is unavailable or its use would cause harm. Allah says in the Quran:

وَإِنْ كُنْتُمْ مَرْضَى أَوْ عَلَى سَفَرٍ أَوْ جَاءَ أَحَدٌ مِنْكُمْ مِنَ الْغَائِطِ أَوْ لَامَسْتُمُ النِّسَاءَ فَلَمْ تَجِدُوا مَاءً فَتَيَمَّمُوا صَعِيدًا طَيِّبًا فَامْسَحُوا بِوُجُوهِكُمْ وَأَيْدِيكُمْ مِنْهُ

"But if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the place of relieving himself or you have contacted women and do not find water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and hands with it."
— Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:6)

When is Tayammum Allowed?

According to the Quran (5:6), tayammum is permitted in these situations:

• No water available – when you cannot find water
• Illness – when using water would cause harm or worsen sickness
• On a journey – when travelling and water is not accessible

Tayammum Ka Tarika – Step by Step

The method of tayammum was taught by the Prophet ﷺ to 'Ammar ibn Yasir (Sahih Bukhari 338, Sahih Muslim 368):

Step 1: Make Niyyah (Intention)

Make the intention in your heart that you are performing tayammum for the sake of Allah. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Actions are but by intentions." (Sahih Bukhari 1)

Step 2: Strike the Earth Once

Strike both palms on clean earth (soil, sand, or dust) one time.

Step 3: Blow Off the Dust

Blow off the excess dust from your hands.

Step 4: Wipe Your Face

Wipe your entire face with your hands one time.

Step 5: Wipe Your Hands

Wipe the back of each hand with the other — the right hand over the left and the left over the right — up to the wrists, one time.

"The Prophet stroked the earth with his hands and then passed them over his face and the backs of his hands (while demonstrating Tayammum)."
— Sahih Bukhari 339

What Breaks Tayammum?

• Everything that breaks wudu (passing wind, urine, or stool; deep sleep; loss of consciousness)
• Finding water – when water becomes available, tayammum is no longer valid. The Prophet ﷺ said: "The earth serves as the wudu of the Muslim even if he does not find water for ten years. But if he finds water, then he should fear Allah and let his skin touch it." (Abu Dawud 332, Tirmidhi 124)