Cleanliness is a very important value in Islam. It is
not only about looking neat or smelling nice, but it is also about being
spiritually clean and pure in front of Allah. Islam teaches that a clean body,
a clean mind, and a clean environment help a Muslim live a healthy, peaceful,
and faithful life. In fact, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Cleanliness
is half of faith.” This short statement shows how much Islam encourages
every Muslim to keep clean in all aspects of life.
1. Cleanliness as an Act of Worship
In Islam, being clean is not just a normal daily
habit. It is something connected to worship. Before praying, a Muslim must
perform wudu (ablution), which is an act of washing specific parts of
the body—face, hands, head, and feet. Wudu teaches discipline, purity, and
respect for prayer. When a person is clean, their mind becomes more focused,
and their prayer becomes more meaningful.
There is also ghusl, which is a full-body bath
required in certain situations. Islam asks Muslims to keep their bodies clean
so they can worship properly. These actions show that physical purity is linked
with spiritual purity. When the body is clean, the heart and mind also feel
ready to connect with Allah.
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| CHECK: A resident of the complex has his blood pressure checked by an officer from the Sungai Raya Community Health Center during the POSBINDU DUBAI event at the Babussalam Mosque in DUBAI (Tuesday, January 30, 2024). Photo by Asep Haryono |
2. The Qur’an Encourages
Purification
The Qur’an mentions purification many times. Allah
praises people who keep themselves pure. One clear example is in Surah
Al-Baqarah, where Allah says that He loves those who purify themselves. This
shows that cleaning is not just for health; it is a way to earn Allah’s love.
When Muslims keep themselves clean, they are following the command of their
Creator. They are showing respect for the body that Allah has given them.
3. The Prophet Muhammad’s Teachings
on Cleanliness
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught
Muslims many simple daily habits that help maintain cleanliness. He encouraged
brushing the teeth with a siwak or a toothbrush, cutting the nails,
wearing clean clothes, washing the hands before and after eating, and taking
regular baths. These actions may seem simple, but they make life healthy and
pleasant.
He also told Muslims to keep their hair tidy, to smell
good, and to avoid anything that makes others uncomfortable due to bad odor.
When a Muslim keeps clean, they are showing kindness to themselves and to
others around them. People feel more comfortable being close to someone who
takes care of their cleanliness.
4. Cleanliness in the Home and
Environment
Islam also teaches that the environment must be clean.
The Prophet warned against dirtying public places, roads, water sources, and
shared areas. Throwing trash everywhere, polluting rivers, or leaving harmful
objects in public spaces is strongly discouraged. Keeping the environment clean
is considered an act of charity because it helps everyone.
A Muslim should keep their home clean, their
surroundings tidy, and their community free from waste. A clean home creates
peace and comfort for the family. A clean neighborhood builds respect among
people. And a clean environment makes life healthier for everyone.
5. Personal Hygiene as Part of Faith
Personal hygiene is a very important part of a
Muslim’s daily life. Islam encourages:
- Regular
bathing
- Keeping
the mouth clean
- Wearing
clean clothes
- Using
perfume or pleasant scents
- Cleaning
private parts after using the toilet
- Keeping
hair and beard neat
- Removing
body hair regularly
- Washing
hands often
These habits protect the body from illness and make a
person feel fresh. Islam teaches Muslims to take care of themselves because the
body is a trust from Allah. If someone loves Allah, they will also respect the
body He gave them.
6. Cleanliness of the Heart and Mind
Islam teaches not only physical cleanliness but also
spiritual cleanliness. A clean heart means a heart free from hatred, jealousy,
anger, and pride. A Muslim should try to forgive others, be kind, and stay away
from bad thoughts. The Qur’an says that Allah loves those whose hearts are
pure.
A pure mind is one that stays away from bad habits,
harmful entertainment, and negative thinking. A Muslim with a clean heart and
mind is more peaceful, more patient, and more thankful. When the heart is
clean, the soul feels close to Allah.
7. Eating Clean and Halal Food
Cleanliness in Islam also includes what a person eats.
Muslims must eat halal (allowed) food that is pure, healthy, and clean.
The Qur’an tells believers to eat what is pure and good. This means avoiding
harmful substances, alcohol, and any food that is not prepared in a clean way.
Eating clean food keeps the body healthy and helps the mind stay strong.
Islam also teaches good manners when eating: washing
hands, saying “Bismillah” before eating, eating from one’s own side of the
plate, not wasting food, and thanking Allah after eating. These manners develop
discipline, gratitude, and respect for the blessings Allah gives.
8. Clean Speech and Good Behavior
Cleanliness in Islam is not limited to physical
objects. A Muslim must also keep their speech clean. This means avoiding lies,
insults, harsh words, and gossip. Good speech brings people together, while bad
speech hurts relationships. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that
a true Muslim is someone from whose tongue and hands others are safe.
Good behavior includes being honest, polite,
respectful, and helpful. Keeping one’s behavior pure is a form of worship
because it reflects the teachings of Islam. Clean behavior helps build strong
families, strong communities, and strong character.
9. Cleanliness During Special Times
Islam places special importance on cleanliness during
certain times. For example, before the Friday prayer, Muslims are encouraged to
take a bath, wear their best clothes, and use perfume. During Ramadan, Muslims
try to keep their breath fresh, their body clean, and their environment tidy.
During Hajj and Umrah, cleanliness is also very important, because these acts
are forms of worship done in large crowds.
These special times remind Muslims that cleanliness is
not something to do occasionally but something to practice throughout life.
10. Conclusion
In Islam, cleanliness is much more than a habit. It is
a sign of faith, a form of worship, and a way to live in harmony with others
and with the environment. A clean Muslim is someone who respects their body,
their soul, and the world around them. By keeping clean, a Muslim earns the
pleasure of Allah and lives a healthier, happier life.
Cleanliness is simple, but it has a great effect. It
keeps the body healthy, the mind peaceful, the heart pure, and the society
beautiful. Islam teaches that a clean life is a faithful life, and a faithful
life is a successful life.
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