Dry ablution is prescribed. Whoever finds enough water for part of his purification should perform dry ablution after using it, ……….
His statement, “Dry ablution is prescribed”: “is prescribed” is the answer to the conditional clause in his statement, “when the time begins.” When the answer is delayed and the condition is extended by clauses coordinated with it, rhetoricians hold that the governing word should be repeated so that the meaning may become clear. Yet, if he had repeated the condition here, the matter would remain as it was, since all these matters are subordinate to the condition.
His statement, “is prescribed,” means that it is obligatory for that for which purification with water is obligatory, such as prayer; and it is recommended for that for which purification with water is recommended, such as reciting the Quran—but not touching the mushaf.
His statement, “Whoever finds enough water for part of his purification should perform dry ablution after using it,” informs us that when a person finds enough water for part of his purification, he combines purification with water and dry ablution.
For example, he has enough water only to wash his face and hands. He must first use the water, washing his face and hands, and then perform dry ablution for the remainder of his limbs.
The reason for giving precedence to using the water is so that, after using it before performing dry ablution, he may truly be regarded as one who has no water.
The evidence for this is:
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Allah the Exalted says: “So fear Allah as much as you are able.” [al-Taghabun: 16]
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The Prophet ﷺ said: “When I command you to do something, do of it as much as you are able.” (1)