What is the ruling on a very old Shaykh performing tayammum (dry ablution with clean earth) when he is able to have water brought to him by his sons or wife?

The questioner : What is the ruling on a very old Shaykh performing tayammum (dry ablution with clean earth) when he is able...

The Shaykh : What is the ruling?

The questioner : What is the ruling on a very old Shaykh performing tayammum (dry ablution with clean earth) when he is able to have water brought to him by his sons or wife?

The Shaykh : Yes. A person’s prayer with tayammum (dry ablution with clean earth) while he is able to use water is invalid (batil), because when Allah (Blessed and Exalted is He) mentioned purification with water, He said: meaning when water is absent or its use is difficult. If he prays without wudu’ (the ablution for prayer) or tayammum (dry ablution with clean earth), his prayer is invalid (batil). However, if it is difficult for him to bring water, it is permissible for him to combine the Zuhr (the midday prayer) and ‘Asr (the afternoon prayer) in one wudu’ (the ablution for prayer), and the Maghrib (the sunset prayer) and ‘Isha’ (the night prayer) in one wudu’ (the ablution for prayer). So he performs one wudu’ (the ablution for prayer) for Zuhr (the midday prayer) and ‘Asr (the afternoon prayer), one wudu’ (the ablution for prayer) for Maghrib (the sunset prayer) and ‘Isha’ (the night prayer), and a third wudu’ (the ablution for prayer) for Fajr (the dawn prayer). As for performing tayammum (dry ablution with clean earth) while he is able to use water and then praying, his prayer is invalid (batil).

The questioner : May Allah reward you, O honorable Shaykh, and may Allah bless you and your knowledge, and benefit the Muslims through you.