What is the ruling on performing prayer when water or dust for purification (Tahara) is unavailable?
Chapter on Tayammum
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
If water or dust cannot be found in any situation, the individual must pray according to their current condition. This is the position of Al-Shafi'i. The evidence is the report in Sahih Muslim that the Prophet (PBUH) sent companions out who prayed without ablution when prayer time arrived; when they reported this, the verse of Tayammum was revealed, and the Prophet (PBUH) did not disapprove nor command them to repeat the prayer. Purification is a prerequisite for prayer; thus, when it is absent, the prayer is not postponed, similar to the conditions of the *Satrah* (barrier) and facing the Qibla.
Supporting text
Abu Hanifa, Al-Thawri, and Al-Awza'i state that prayer must be delayed until water or dust becomes available, after which it must be made up later, analogizing it to the fast of a menstruating woman which is not dropped. Malik stated that the prayer is neither performed nor made up, analogizing it to a menstruating woman for whom prayer is not obligatory due to inability to achieve purification. A narration from Malik reports that the prayer is performed according to one's condition and then repeated, or it aligns with Abu Hanifa's view.