Brunei Darussalam

Sand as a substitute for water!?

In Brunei, where most of the population follows Islam, the practice of ablution, Wudu, holds significant importance.

The Koran acknowledges that under certain circumstances, such as the unavailability of clean water, the risk of hypothermia, sand (or dust) can be used for cleansing before religious acts.

The Koran states: “If you find no water, then take for yourselves clean sand or earth, and rub therewith your faces and hands; Allah does not wish to place you in difficulty.”

Yet a use of sand: an alternative to water in religious contexts!