Is ablution by means of Tayammum obligatory for a resident who lacks water due to cessation of supply or confinement within the city limits?

Primary text

Tayammum and subsequent prayer are obligatory for a resident when water ceases to be available or is withheld within a city. This ruling is held by Malik, Al-Thawri, Al-Awza'i, and Al-Shafi'i. The justification rests upon the general validity of Tayammum when water is unavailable, as evidenced by the Hadith narrated by Abu Dharr, where the Prophet, peace be upon him, stated: "The pure earth is the purification for the Muslim, even if he does not find water for ten years. If he finds water, he should touch his skin with it, for that is better." Al-Tirmidhi classified this hadith as Hasan Sahih, indicating it encompasses the current case. Furthermore, the person is deemed devoid of water, analogous to a traveler. The mention of travel in the verse concerning Tayammum is understood as being contextual to the common scenario where water is absent, rather than a condition.