Those who hold this view adduced His words:

“Then wipe your faces and hands with some of it.”

This can only apply to something that adheres to the face and hands, whereas rock adheres to neither. They also cited Ibn ‘Abbās’s statement: “Pure earth means soil used for cultivation.” They further adduced the Prophet’s words (may Allah bless him and grant him peace):

“The earth has been made a place of prayer for me, and its soil has been made a means of purification.”

They argued that he extended the ruling concerning prayer to the whole earth, but restricted the ruling concerning purification to its soil.

They also argued that, among all liquids, purification with water is restricted to what is water in its original nature; likewise, purification with soil is restricted to what is soil in its original nature. These are the two basic substances from which Adam was created: water and soil. They are the two simple elements, unlike other liquids and solids, which are compounds.

Those holding the first view adduced the Most High’s word:

“Ground.”

They explained that sa‘īd denotes whatever rises upon the earth’s surface, and thus encompasses everything upon it, as indicated by the Most High’s words:

“We will surely turn whatever is upon it into barren ground,”

and His words:

“And it becomes smooth, slippery ground.”

Those who did not restrict the ruling to soil adduced the words of the Prophet (may Allah Most High bless him and grant him peace):

“The earth has been made a place of prayer and a means of purification for me. So whenever the time for prayer comes upon any man of my community, let him pray.”

Another narration states:

“His place of prayer and his means of purification are at hand.”

This makes clear that wherever a Muslim may be, his place of prayer and his means of purification are at hand.