Can I Perform Tayamum Rather Than Wudu Because of My Cut?
Hanafi Fiqh
Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam
Question:Assalam alaykum,
I suffered a serious cut to the index finger of my right hand and it currently has stitches. The doctor instructed me not to get it wet.
It is very akward and painful to make wudu like this. Can I perform tayyamum until the stitches are removed?
Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,
May Allah Most High grant you a swift recovery.
The basic principle is that if you cannot wash the area, you need to wipe it. If you cannot wipe it, then you need to wipe most of the bandage covering the injured area. If this, too, will reasonably cause harm, you can leave washing the finger entirely.
Inability and harm is established by (1) past, relevant experience, (2) clear signs, or (3) the advice of a skilled, upright Muslim doctor.
[Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah (1.195)]
Please also see: How Can I Pray When Unable to Stop the Bleeding of My Finger?
And Allah Most High alone knows best.
wassalam,
Tabraze Azam
Checked & Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
