Tayammum Steps Guide
Tayammum is dry ablution — a way to become pure for prayer when water is not available or cannot be used. This guide helps you check whether tayammum applies to your situation, then walks you through the method step by step.
Step 1 — When is tayammum allowed?
Tick every situation that applies to you right now, then press the button. The tool will tell you whether tayammum appears to apply in your case.
Step 2 — The intention (niyyah)
Before you begin, make the intention in your heart that you are performing tayammum to become pure for prayer. The intention does not need to be spoken out loud. Then say Bismillah (In the name of Allah).
Step 3 — Guided method
Press "Next step" to walk through the method one step at a time. The progress bar shows where you are.
Ready when you are
Press "Next step" to begin the guided tayammum method.
Step 4 — What breaks tayammum
- The same things that break wudu break tayammum: using the toilet, passing wind, deep sleep, and similar causes.
- Tayammum ends as soon as water becomes available and you are able to use it. If water arrives before prayer, perform wudu and leave the tayammum.
- If water becomes available during the prayer, most scholars say the prayer remains valid; ask your local scholar for the ruling you should follow.
Things to remember
- Tayammum is done on something clean from the earth: dust, sand, clean soil, or an unglazed stone.
- Wipe the whole face and both hands up to the wrists; scholars differ on whether the arms up to the elbows are included — your local scholar can clarify.
- Tayammum is also used as a substitute for ghusl (full bath) when ghusl is not possible for the same reasons.
- It is better to perform tayammum and pray on time than to miss the prayer waiting for water.
Frequently asked questions
This page is for learning only. Religious rulings differ between schools of thought, so please confirm the details with your local scholar or imam.