What is the ruling regarding repetition of prayer if the lack of water is due to a prolonged or commonly occurring circumstance?

Chapter on Tayammum

Al-Mughni

Book of Purification

Book 2 · Issue 3 · Bab 10

Open in Qurani

Primary text

If the absence of water is due to a prolonged or commonly occurring excuse that is frequently encountered, such as being imprisoned or the water source in a village requiring a long journey to fetch, then Tayammum is permissible, and no repetition of the prayer is required. This is because the person is deemed deprived of water due to a prolonged and habitual circumstance, making them equivalent to a traveler. Moreover, the absence of this water is more common than a traveler's absence of water, so the specific mention of Tayammum for the traveler serves as an indication for its permissibility here.

Supporting text

If the lack of water is due to a rare circumstance that resolves quickly, such as a guest being locked in a room, repetition of the prayer is obligatory because this situation is treated as being occupied with seeking and obtaining water.