Is ablution (ghusl) mandatory when severe cold prevents its use without harm?
Chapter on Tayammum
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
If one fears harm from severe cold during required ritual purification (ghusl) but can warm the water or wash limb by limb while covering each part immediately afterward, then this limited washing is obligatory. If the person cannot manage this, they must perform Tayammum (dry ablution) and pray. This is the position of the majority of scholars. The evidence for permitting Tayammum in this scenario includes the Divine command, "And do not kill yourselves" (Quran 4:29), and "do not throw yourselves with your own hands into destruction" (Quran 2:195). Furthermore, the silence of the Prophet (peace be upon him) regarding Amr ibn al-As, who performed Tayammum during a cold night during the campaign of Dhat al-Salasil fearing death from washing, serves as tacit approval for the permissibility of Tayammum when life or limb is endangered.
Supporting text
Ata and Al-Hasan state that one must perform ghusl even if death results, asserting that Allah will not provide an excuse for neglecting it. Ibn Mas'ud implies that Tayammum is not allowed, fearing that allowing it for cold might lead people to use it habitually when water becomes merely cold.