CLEANLINESS IN ISLAM

The Benefits of Cleanliness in Islam

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Islam is a religion that encourages and loves cleanliness – of the mind, soul, and body. From verses of the Holy Quran to the hadith of the Prophet Mohammad (SAW), the importance of cleanliness is deeply apparent. Not only does having a clean body and soul encourage purity of the heart, but it helps keep up our health as well.

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Cleanliness is a part of faith

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One of the most famous hadiths of the Prophet (SAW) states:

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Cleanliness is half of faith. (Sahih Muslim, pp. 140, Hadees 223)

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This shows that cleanliness is not a trivial matter, but a significant aspect of our belief and practice. Islam teaches us to be clean in every aspect of our lives, from our physical appearance to our inner thoughts and feelings. Cleanliness is a way of honoring Allah (SWT) and His creation, as well as a means of attaining His pleasure and mercy.

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Cleanliness is a source of health

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Islam also teaches us that cleanliness is a source of health and well-being. By keeping our bodies, clothes, food, water, environment and surroundings clean, we prevent diseases and infections from harming us. We also protect ourselves from harmful substances and pollutants that can affect our physical and mental health. The Quran says:

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And He has made subservient for you whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth; all this is from Him. Surely in this there are signs for a people who reflect. (Quran, 45:13)

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This verse reminds us that everything in this world is a blessing from Allah (SWT) and we should use it wisely and responsibly. We should not waste or abuse the resources that He has given us, but rather use them in moderation and with gratitude.

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Cleanliness is a way of purification

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Islam also teaches us that cleanliness is a way of purification, both inwardly and outwardly. By performing ablution, bathing, brushing our teeth, using fragrance, trimming our nails, combing our hair and other acts of hygiene, we purify ourselves from physical impurities and prepare ourselves for worship. The Quran says:

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O you who believe! When you stand up for prayer, wash your faces and your hands up to the elbows, and wipe your heads and your feet up to the ankles; and if you are under an obligation to perform a total ablution, then wash (yourselves) and if you are sick or on a journey or one of you come from the privy or you have touched the women, then look for pure earth and wipe your faces and your hands therewith; Allah does not desire to put on you any difficulty but He wishes to purify you and that He may complete His favor on you so that you may be grateful. (Quran, 5:6)

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This verse shows us that Allah (SWT) does not want to burden us with hardship, but He wants to purify us and perfect His favor on us. By following His commands, we show our gratitude and obedience to Him.

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Similarly, by keeping our hearts and minds clean from sins, doubts, hatred, envy, pride, arrogance and other spiritual diseases, we purify ourselves from moral impurities and attain closeness to Allah (SWT). The Quran says:

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He has certainly succeeded who purifies himself. And mentions the name of his Lord and prays. (Quran, 87:14-15)

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This verse shows us that success in this life and the hereafter depends on purifying ourselves from anything that distracts us from Allah (SWT) and His remembrance.

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Cleanliness is an order from Allah (SWT) and His Prophet (SAW)

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Finally, Islam teaches us that cleanliness is an order from Allah (SWT) and His Prophet (SAW) that we should obey without hesitation or complaint. The Quran says:

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And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him; and do good to parents; if one or both of them reach old age with you then do not say to them ‘uff’ nor chide them but speak to them generous words; And lower for them ‘the wings of humility’ out of mercy; And say: ‘My Lord! Have mercy on them as they brought me up when I was small.’ Your Lord knows best what is in your hearts; if you are righteous then He is surely Forgiving for those who turn to Him again and again. And give to the near of kin his due; And also to the needy; And do not squander wastefully; Surely those who squander wastefully are brothers of Satan; And Satan was ungrateful to his Lord. And if you turn away from them to seek mercy from your Lord which you hope for, then speak to them a gentle word. And do not make your hand to be shackled to your neck nor stretch it forth to the utmost (limit) of its stretching forth, lest you should (afterwards) sit down blamed, stripped off. Surely your Lord makes plentiful the means of subsistence for whom He pleases and He straitens (them); Surely He is ever Aware of, Seeing, His servants. (Quran, 17:23-30)

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This verse shows us that Allah (SWT) has commanded us to worship Him alone and to do good to our parents, relatives, needy and others. He has also forbidden us from wasting or squandering our resources and being ungrateful to Him. He knows what is in our hearts and He rewards or punishes us accordingly.

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The Prophet (SAW) also instructed us to be clean in our appearance and conduct. He said:

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Keep the clothes you wear clean and take care of your riding animals, and your appearance should be so clean that when you meet people, you are respected by them. (Jami’ Sagheer, pp. 22, Hadees 257)

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This hadith shows us that we should keep ourselves and our belongings clean and presentable, so that we earn respect and dignity from others.

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Conclusion

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Cleanliness is a great virtue in Islam that has many benefits for us in this world and the next. It is a part of our faith, a source of our health, a way of our purification and an order from our Lord and His Messenger. We should strive to be clean in every aspect of our lives and follow the teachings of Islam with sincerity and devotion.

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May Allah (SWT) make us among those who are clean and pure in His sight. Ameen.

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Sources:

(1) Cleanliness in Islam - Concept - Importance - AZislam.com.?https://bing.com/search?q=benefits+of+cleanliness+in+Islam.

(2) Fact Sheet on Cleanliness in Islam - UNICEF.?https://www.unicef.org/maldives/media/1291/file/Fact%20sheet%20on%20cleanliness%20in%20Islam.pdf.

(3) The Religious and Worldly Benefits of Cleanliness - Dawat-e-Islami.?https://www.dawateislami.net/magazine/en/plea/cleanliness.

(4) 6 Quranic Verses and Hadith on Cleanliness - The Muslim Vibe.?https://themuslimvibe.com/faith-islam/6-quranic-verses-and-hadith-on-cleanliness.

(5) Personal Hygiene (All parts) - The Religion of Islam.?https://www.islamreligion.com/articles/2149/viewall/personal-hygiene/.

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