Is it obligatory to wipe the entire surface of the face and hands during Tayamum?

Chapter on Tayammum

Al-Mughni

Book of Purification

Book 2 · Issue 2 · Bab 10

Open in Qurani

Primary text

It is obligatory to wipe the entirety of the face and both hands during Tayamum. This obligation requires covering all surface area to which water would reach. The only exceptions are the rinsing of the mouth (Mamdama) and the nose (Istinshaq), and what is beneath light hair. The evidence is the verse, "So wipe your faces and your hands with it" (Quran 5:6). The use of the preposition 'ba' (with) is superfluous, implying the command is to wipe the faces and hands themselves. This is analogous to the obligation of washing the entire face and hands up to the elbows during Wudu, as stated in the verse, "Then wash your faces and your arms to the elbows" (Quran 5:6).

Supporting text

Suleiman ibn Dawud permits sufficiency if only part of the face and part of the hands are touched.