ولو كان معه ثوبان طاهر ونجس يتحرى بينهما، لأن للماء بدلا وهو التراب، وليس للثوب بدل يصار إليه
If two garments are available, one pure and the other impure, the person estimates which is suitable. Water has the substitute of earth for tayammum, whereas the garment has no comparable substitute in this particular scenario.
The outward structure resembles the two vessels, but the legally significant reason differs. Therefore, not all cases involving two uncertain alternatives receive the same solution.
The individual should assess available signs to form a responsible conclusion. Arbitrary selection without inquiry is not proper taḥarrī.