Islam not only commands Muslims to avoid inner impurities but also to maintain cleanliness from any outer filth. This is because the Messenger of God (peace be upon him and his family) regarded cleanliness as a universal, continuous, and comprehensive duty, just as the Quran regards piety as a fundamental responsibility, saying, “So fear God as much as you are able…” (1); similarly, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Preserve cleanliness by all means, for the foundation of Islam is cleanliness, and Paradise has been prepared for the clean.” (2)
Islam places great emphasis on personal and public hygiene, and various guidelines have been suggested to achieve this.
In his various sayings, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized cleanliness and personal hygiene:
“Islam is pure, so purify yourselves, for only the pure will enter Paradise.” (3)
“Cleanliness is part of faith.” (4)
“The worst of people are the filthy ones.” (5)
“God dislikes filth and unkemptness.” (6)
“No one should go to bed with oily hands…” (7)
“Trim your nails…” (8)
“If it were not too hard for my Ummah, I would have commanded them to use a miswak before every prayer.” (9)
“Two units of prayer with a miswak are more beloved to God than seventy units of prayer without a miswak.” (10)
“Clean your teeth, for nothing is more hated by the angels than food stuck between the teeth.” (11)
“Among your world, the best fragrance is my favorite, and the light of my eyes is in prayer.” (12)
“Using perfume strengthens the heart.” (13)
Furthermore, he also emphasized cleanliness in public hygiene:
“Keep the yard and surrounding areas of your homes clean…” (14)
“Do not pile up trash behind your door, for that is where the devils (impurities) dwell.” (15)
“Do not keep garbage in your homes at night, for that is where the devils (impurities) gather.” (16)
Indeed, this is a glimpse of the invaluable guidance of the Messenger of Mercy, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), regarding the maintenance of personal and social hygiene. His advice to one of his companions in this regard clearly highlights this emphasis: “O Anas! Keep your cleanliness and purity in greater measure, so that God may increase your lifespan.” (17)
(Adapted from the book “Mafatih al-Hayat” by Ayatollah Jawadi Amuli, with abbreviations)
Footnotes:
1. “So fear God as much as you are able…” Surah At-Taghabun, Ayah 16
2. Nahj al-Fasahah, Hadith 1182
3. Nahj al-Fasahah, Hadith 112
4. Bihar al-Anwar, Volume 59, Page 291
5. Al-Kafi, Volume 6, Page 439
6. Nahj al-Fasahah, Hadith 741
7. Makarim al-Akhlaq, Page 425
8. Man La Yahduruhu al-Faqih, Volume 1, Page 128
9. Al-Kafi, Volume 3, Page 22
10. Al-Khisal, Page 481
11. Makarim al-Akhlaq, Page 153
12. Al-Khisal, Page 165
13. Al-Kafi, Volume 6, Page 510
14. Mawsu’at Ahadith Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), Volume 11, Page 371
15. Ilal al-Sharai’, Page 583
16. Makarim al-Akhlaq, Page 425
17. Al-Amali al-Mufid, Page 60