‘Tahara’ or Cleanliness Is One Half Of A Muslim’s Faith.

When Allah (SWT) declared in His infinite wisdom, “Today, I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor unto you and am well pleased with Islam as your religion,” (Surat al Maidah 5:3), He meant He had left nothing out of the revelation. Every facet of our lives, from the simplest to the most complex, including cleanliness, was expounded upon and explained in detail.

Cleanliness has further been singled out by a Hadith of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) that states, “Cleanliness is half of faith.”

The prominent position given to cleanliness, an otherwise temporal concept, highlights its significance, especially in a religion that originated in a desert where water was a valuable resource meant primarily for drinking, rather than for washing one’s face and body parts five times a day before prayers.

The injunctions related to cleanliness are comprehensive and not superficial; they cover not just physical cleansing but also environmental and spiritual purity. 

1. Physical Cleanliness: This includes personal hygiene, cleanliness of clothing, and maintaining a clean environment. It involves performing Wudu (Ablution), washing specific parts of the body before prayer, and Ghusl (Ritual Bathing), which is a full-body purification after events such as marital relations or menstruation to restore ritual purity. Other aspects include clipping nails, grooming, removing body hair, and maintaining oral hygiene.

2. Environmental Cleanliness: A clean environment is essential for a healthy and harmonious life. Islam encourages maintaining cleanliness in one’s surroundings, including homes, public spaces, and natural resources. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “Removing harmful objects from the road is an act of charity.” This Hadith highlights the importance of keeping public spaces clean and ensuring that one’s actions contribute to a safe and clean environment.

3. Spiritual Cleanliness: This focuses on purifying the heart and soul from sins, bad habits, and negative thoughts. Acts of repentance, remembrance of Allah (Dhikr), and seeking forgiveness are crucial for maintaining spiritual purity. Allah says, “And purify your garments and keep away from impurities.” (Quran 74:4-5) This verse reminds believers that external cleanliness should accompany internal purification, reflecting the comprehensive nature of Islamic cleanliness.

Lessons from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ):

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) exemplified the importance of cleanliness. He maintained impeccable personal hygiene, ensured his surroundings were clean, and encouraged his companions to adopt similar habits. He also emphasized moderation in using resources, including water, and taught that cleanliness contributes to physical health and spiritual well-being.

One instance that highlights the Prophet’s dedication to cleanliness is his use of the miswak (a natural teeth-cleaning stick made from the Salvadora persica tree) to clean his teeth regularly, even before prayers or during fasting. He stated, “If it were not for the difficulty it would cause my people, I would have ordered them to use the miswak for every prayer.” (Sahih Bukhari)

His actions serve as a timeless guide for Muslims to incorporate cleanliness into their daily lives.

Final Word:

Cleanliness in Islam is a reflection of faith, a means of gaining Allah’s love, and a pathway to a healthier, more harmonious life. By integrating the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) into their daily habits, Muslims can uphold the high standard of cleanliness prescribed in Islam. 

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