111 – Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “The earth’s surface is the ablution of the Muslim even if he cannot find water for ten years. Yet once he does find water, let him fear Allah and let it touch his skin.” Narrated by al-Bazzar; authenticated by Ibn al-Qattān, though al-Dāraqutni judged the mursal form stronger (1). Al-Tirmidhi transmits a similar report from Abu Dharr and declared it sound (2).

Hadith grading
The hadith is ṣaḥīḥ (authentic). It has a corroborating chain that the author indicated and deemed sound. That supporting narration was recorded by Aḥmad (20863), al-Tirmidhi (124), Abu Dawud (333), al-Nasāʾi (420), al-Dāraqutni, al-Hākim and others, and was authenticated by al-Tirmidhi, Ibn Ḥibbān, al-Dāraqutni, Abu Ḥātim, al-Hākim, al-Dhahabī, al-Nawawī and Ibn Daqīq al-ʿId.

Glossary
• saʿīd: the exposed surface of the ground, whether soil or another material.
• ten years: an expression of emphasis, not a literal limit.
• “let it touch his skin”: he should apply water to his body in purification for forthcoming acts of worship.
• basharah: the outer layer of the skin.