that a purifying substance must be used. Thus, none of the early scholars or leading authorities on Arabic held that this bā has a partitive meaning. Nor did al-Shāfiʿī say that a partitive meaning is derived from the bā. Indeed, Imām al-Haramayn and other scholars of his school rejected this, appealing to the statements of the leading authorities on Arabic in support of their rejection. Those who held that view, however, relied on other evidence.

Allah Most High says:

“Allah does not intend to impose hardship on you, but He intends to purify you and complete His favor upon you, so that you may be grateful.”

This verse indicates that earth is a means of purification, as the authentic Sunnah explicitly states in the words of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace:

“And the earth has been made for me a place of prayer and a means of purification.”

Abū Dharr reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Clean earth is a means of purification for a Muslim, even if he cannot find water for ten years. But when he finds water, let him apply it to his skin, for that is better.”

Reported by Imam Ahmad, Abū Dāwūd, al-Nasāʾī, and al-Tirmidhī, whose wording this is. He said: “A good and authentic hadith.”

Muslims agree that someone who cannot find water while traveling is to perform tayammum (dry ablution) and pray until he finds water. Once he finds water, he must use it. Likewise, concerning tayammum for someone in a state of major ritual impurity, the four imams and the overwhelming majority of earlier and later scholars held