Cleanliness

Allah SWT mentions in the Holy Quraan:

“Truly, Allah loves those repent to Him constantly and He loves those who purify themselves.” (2:222)

“Within it (the Masaajid) are men who love to purify themselves. And Allah SWT loves those who make themselves clean and pure.” (9:108)

The Messenger of Allah SAW has said, “Cleanliness is half of faith.” [Muslim]

He SAW also said, “Religion is founded on cleanliness.”

There are two categories of cleanliness; Physical and Spiritual.

Physical cleanliness can be understood from the act of performing Whudu or Ghusl before acts of worship such as Salaat or recitation of the Quraan.

Spiritual cleanliness means that a person strives to be free from the defects of the heart such as ill manners, pride, materialism and hypocrisy to name a few.

Physical cleanliness lays the foundation to achieving the ultimate goal of Islam; cleanliness of the Nafs (inner-self) and ridding oneself of diseases of the heart in order to attain the Pleasure of the Almighty SWT.

If we think of Zakaat (charity) and Sawm (fasting) we see that these by extension are more than mere pillars which need to be fulfilled, they are gateways to the purification of wealth and soul.

Physical cleanliness is of two types; one related to the human body and one related to the surroundings such as one’s home, the Madrassah and public places.

The importance of cleanliness in Islam can be gauged from the fact that Fiqh and Ahadith Kitaabs almost always begin with a chapter on cleanliness.

Personal hygiene:

A person should remember that failure to remain clean harms oneself and others around them. Women especially need to bear in mind the correct method of performing Whudu and Ghusl especially after Haidh (menstruation), intercourse and Nifaas (post childbirth bleeding). It has been mentioned that, “Even in this modern era where knowledge is so widely available, there are women who do not know how to perform Ghusl properly and it is only when they pass away and are given the Ghusl before being wrapped in Kafn (shroud) are they really clean.”

This statement should serve as a reality check for all of us.

Below are some tips on keeping clean and hygienic:

-         Bathe at least twice a week. NEVER let a week pass without bathing.

-         Change clothes regularly. “Keep your clothes clean.” (74:4)

-         Try and remain in the state of Whudu. By doing this, a person ensures that the parts regularly exposed to dust and dirt are kept clean.

-         Make sure that Istinjaa is done properly. Many may find this a trivial point but in the time of the Messenger SAW, a man was punished in his grave simply because he did not take care when urinating.

It was narrated that Ibn Abaas RA said:

The Messenger SAW passed by two graves and said, “They are being punished, but not for something difficult to avoid. One of them used to walk around spreading Nameemah (malicious gossip) and the other did not take care to avoid getting urine on himself.” [Muslim]

-         Cut nails weekly and remove any unwanted hair regularly.

-         Brush teeth twice a day and use a Miswaak throughout the day. The Prophet SAW said, “Had it not been difficult for my Ummah, I would have ordered them to use Miswaak before every Salaat.” [Bukhari]

It has also been mentioned in another Hadith: “Whoever eats from this foul smelling plant (raw onion) should not come near our Masaajid, because the Angels are troubled by what humans are troubled by.” [Bukhari, Muslim]

This by extension not only refers to foul breath but also body odours and smoke.

-         Comb hair daily. Once a man came to the Prophet SAW with his hair dishevelled and the Prophet SAW asked, “Has he no oil with which to tidy his hair?”

-         Cover mouth/nose when sneezing

The Prophet SAW advised the Muslims to appear clean and tidy in private and in public. Once when returning home from battle, He SAW advised his army, “You are soon going to meet your brothers, so tidy your saddles and clothes. Be distinguished in the eyes of the people.” [Abu Dawood]

Environmental hygiene:

Islam instructs Muslims to maintain the cleanliness of roads and streets. Ridding the streets of impurities and filth is considered to be an act of charity.

“Removing any harm from the road is charity (that will be rewarded by Allah).” [Bukhari]

The Prophet SAW said, “Beware of three acts that cause others to curse you; reliveing yourself in a place where there is stagnant water, on foot paths and in shaded places.” [Abu Dawood]

This also includes throwing litter in such places.

Even by removing a piece of rubbish the size of a matchstick you will a lot of reward as long as a person’s intention is correct. Especially whilst in Madrassah, we are guests of the Prophet SAW, think of how much reward such a small act can gain.

Hadhrat Abu Hurairah RA reported: A black woman used to clean the Masjid of the Messenger SAW. The Prophet SAW sensed her absence and asked about her, He SAW was told that she had passed away. He SAW then said, “Why did you not inform me?”

Then He SAW said, “Show me her grave.”

When it was shown to Him, He SAW offered Jazaazah (funeral) prayers over it and said, “These graves cover those in them with darkness, and Allah illuminates them for the inmates as a result of my supplication for them.” [Bukhari, Muslim]

This woman’s status was so high in the eyes of Allah, that the Prophet SAW prayed Janaazah Salaat over her grave. And to us, this woman would have been seemed like a nobody!

Even the Sahaabah RA used to clean up for others. When Hadhrat Abu Bakr RA was the Khalifah, he used to take time out every day to visit an old blind woman living on the outskirts of Madinah. He used to cook for her, clean her house and wash her clothes.

There is an incident regarding Maulana Hussain Ahmad Madni RH, he was once travelling on a train and there was a Brahman Hindu in the same compartment as his. The Brahman needed to use the toilet but returned quickly as the toilet was filthy. Maulana saw this and went himself and cleaned up the toilet. Upon returning, he informed the Brahman that the toilet was now fit for use but did not admit that it was he who cleaned the toilet. Such was his humility!

Such was the Akhlaaq (character) of our elders, compare this with our character!

Such acts are the best way to rid a person of pride and inculcate humility within a person.

In view of the significance of cleanliness in Islam, Muslims should have the highest standard of cleanliness and personal hygiene of all people, but it is highly regrettable that dirt has become the identity of Muslim homes and localities. The majority Muslim areas are marked with unhygienic conditions not to mention the highest incidence of rat infestation!

Let it not be that due to our laziness we incur the wrath of Allah SWT.