Cleanliness

Cleanliness is an essential part of Islamic faith. It has a huge part to such an extent that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Cleanliness is 1/2 of faith”. Allah (swt) says: “Truly, God loves those who turn unto Him in repentance and loves those who purify themselves.” (Quran 2:222)

The hadith and ayah further signify the importance of cleanliness. Muslims need to keep their bodies and surrounding clean. Any form of worship requires cleanliness. Salat, the foremost pillar of Islamic practice can only be done in pure cleanliness and purification. Salat requires the body and area to be neat and clean. Not only this but recitation of Quran and fasting also require purification.  Cleanliness is of two types: physical and spiritual. Physical cleanliness requires the environment; house, road and public places clean whereas spiritual cleanliness requires the body to be clean for any worship.

Cleanliness is the pathway to health and strength. Islam wants a healthy and strong Muslim society which is immune against infectious diseases and is capable of understanding and applying God's message and carrying it away to the whole world. Next time you’re cleaning, remember to make an intention that you’re cleaning because it’s sunnah and for Allah’s (swt) pleasure.