done well and fulfilled the obligation beforehand, just as if he had performed ablution with water beforehand. Remaining in a state of purity from before the prayer time until it begins is better than remaining in a state of ritual impurity. Likewise, if someone who performs dry ablution has purified himself in advance, he has done well, since being in a state of purity before the prayer time is better than being without it. The Quran and Sunnah establish that dry ablution is a form of purification. Indeed, an authentic report states:

“A man greeted the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, but he did not return his greeting until he had performed dry ablution. He then returned the greeting and said, ‘I disliked mentioning Allah except in a state of purity.’”

If he has purified himself before the prayer time, he has done well and done something better than what was obligatory upon him. He is like someone who purifies himself for prayer before its time, someone who gives more than the obligatory amount in zakat or other payments, or someone who goes beyond what is obligatory in bowing and prostration. All this is good, provided it does not involve something prohibited, such as adding a fifth unit to the prayer. Performing dry ablution when water is unavailable is good, not forbidden. Hence, it is permissible before the prayer time for voluntary prayer, touching a copy of the Quran, and reciting the Quran.

As for the reports cited from some of the Companions, some are weak, while others are contradicted by statements of other Companions. There is no consensus on this issue. Allah Most High has said:

“If you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is best and leads to the best outcome.”