Even if the dust is on a mat or cloth, and even if it is not on the ground, with the evidence that the hadith of Sayyiduna Abu Muawiyah (may Allah be pleased with him) which we have narrated is concise. «‏‏‏‏جعلت لنا الأرض طهورا» ‏‏‏‏ "The earth has been made a purifier for us," meaning in the case of scarcity or unavailability of water, while the person is not such a patient who fears death, worsening of illness, or severe pain due to the use of water (i.e., a healthy person can perform tayammum in the absence of water). This does not mean that the earth has been made a purifier for us even if the person is healthy, has water with him, or is not such a patient who has any fear from applying water to his body (so that he can also perform tayammum).

Sayyiduna Hudhayfah bin Yaman (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:“We have been given superiority over people in three things: the whole earth has been made a mosque for us, when we do not find water its soil has been made a purifier for us, and our rows have been made like the rows of angels. And the last verses of Surah Al-Baqarah have been given to me from the treasure house beneath the Throne. No one before me has been given from it, nor will anyone after me be given from it.”