Hukum Tayammum: Kajian Komparatif Mazhab Syafi'i dan Hanafi

Tayammum, a purification ritual in Islam, serves as an alternative to ablution (wudu) when water is unavailable or its use is prohibited. This practice holds significant importance in Islamic jurisprudence, particularly in situations where water scarcity or other circumstances hinder the performance of traditional ablution. This article delves into the legal aspects of tayammum, focusing on a comparative study of the Shafi'i and Hanafi schools of thought, two prominent legal schools within Sunni Islam.

The Concept of Tayammum in Islamic Law

Tayammum, derived from the Arabic word "tayamama," meaning "to intend," signifies the act of purifying oneself by wiping dust or clean earth on the face and hands. This practice is rooted in the Quranic verse (Surah Al-Maidah, 5:6), which states, "And if you are ill or on a journey, or one of you comes from the toilet, or you have touched women, and you find no water, then perform tayammum with clean earth and wipe your faces and your hands." This verse clearly establishes the permissibility of tayammum in situations where water is unavailable.

Conditions for Performing Tayammum

Both the Shafi'i and Hanafi schools of thought agree on the essential conditions for performing tayammum. These conditions include:

* Absence of Water: The primary condition for performing tayammum is the unavailability of water for ablution. This includes situations where water is scarce, contaminated, or its use is prohibited due to illness or other reasons.

* Clean Earth: The earth used for tayammum must be clean and free from impurities. It should not be mixed with substances that would render it impure, such as animal waste or blood.

* Intention: The individual performing tayammum must have the intention of purifying themselves. This intention should be specific to the act of tayammum and not for any other purpose.

* Wiping the Face and Hands: The individual must wipe their face and hands with the clean earth, ensuring that the entire surface is covered.

Differences in the Scope of Tayammum

While both schools agree on the basic conditions, there are some differences in the scope of tayammum. The Shafi'i school holds a broader view, allowing tayammum for various situations, including:

* Fear of Illness: If using water poses a risk of illness, tayammum is permissible.

* Extreme Cold: In extreme cold weather, where using water could lead to harm, tayammum is allowed.

* Travel: During travel, if water is scarce or difficult to obtain, tayammum is permitted.

The Hanafi school, on the other hand, adopts a more restrictive approach, limiting tayammum to situations where water is truly unavailable or its use is prohibited. They do not consider fear of illness or extreme cold as valid reasons for performing tayammum.

The Validity of Tayammum

Both schools agree that tayammum is a valid form of purification and allows one to perform prayers and other acts of worship. However, they differ in their views on the duration of tayammum's validity. The Shafi'i school holds that tayammum remains valid until water becomes available. In contrast, the Hanafi school maintains that tayammum is only valid for a specific period, typically until the next prayer time.

Conclusion

Tayammum, as an alternative to ablution, plays a crucial role in Islamic jurisprudence, ensuring that Muslims can fulfill their religious obligations even in situations where water is unavailable. While both the Shafi'i and Hanafi schools agree on the fundamental principles of tayammum, they differ in their interpretations regarding the scope and duration of its validity. Understanding these differences is essential for Muslims to practice tayammum correctly and to ensure the validity of their religious acts.