Question 5
- What is Tayammum?
- Describe how it is performed.
This was a fairly popular question and was attempted by many candidates. Many of them answered the question very well while few of described the performance of Tayammum like that of Wudu‘ which led to the scoring of poor marks. To get a good mark, candidates were expected to mention the following points: Thus
Ḥuffāẓ ( Ḥāfiẓ) literally means "guardian" or "memorizer". It is a term used by Muslims for someone who has completely memorized the Qur'ān. Ḥuffāz were the memorizers of the Qur'ān. (Introduction)
- Tayammum is a means of purification which is done by making use of sand, dust, stone, snow, earth, mud, pebbles and leather. Its performance is necessitated when there is no water, or due to illness. (Definition).
- Tayammum is performed in a pure place where dust is available or any of the above listed items.
- One is required to face the Qiblah while performing Tayammum.
- The intention for performing Tayammum is made.
- One touches the clean object by saying Bismillāh.
- Both palms are placed on the object.
- The two palms are then shaken off.
- With both palms, one wipes the face from the head to the chin (including beards).
- The material is touched again for the second time as in the first one.
- One then wipes the back of the right hand from the elbow to the finger tips, with the left hand then inner surface of the hand from the elbow to the finger tips, and the same thing will be done to the left.
- The back of the left hand is also wiped from the side of the same hand from the elbow to the finger tips, using the right hand.
- Kalimatush-Shahadah is then said and prayer performed.