The ruling on one who refuses offered water and performs tayammum

The questioner:
He also asks: What is the ruling on one who was counted among those for whom water was provided for prayer, but he refused it and performed tayammum?

The Shaykh:
What?

The questioner:
He says: One who was known to be among the group, and it was offered to him—along with a penalty for refusing—but he refused it and performed tayammum.

The Shaykh:
This is not permissible for him. He performed tayammum while water was given to him; he was able to access it, and it was offered to him without a price. Allah, Glorified and Exalted is He, says: “And you did not find water, then perform tayammum.” Here, he found water; he was given water without a price. However, if it were for a price, and he said, “By Allah, I cannot afford to buy it” or “It is too expensive for me,” then he performs tayammum. Yes, he is not required to buy it. But if it was given to him freely and he was able to access it, he must repeat the prayer, because he performed tayammum without an excuse.