Islamic teachings command Muslims not only to avoid inner impurities but also to maintain purity from every outward defilement. For the Noble Messenger (peace be upon him and his family) regarded cleanliness, like piety, as a universal, constant, and comprehensive duty. Just as the Noble Qur’an says concerning piety: “So fear Allah as much as you are able…” [1], the Prophet likewise said concerning cleanliness: “Safeguard cleanliness and purity with whatever means you can, for the foundation of Islam is built upon cleanliness, and Paradise has been prepared for the one who is clean.”[2]
Preservation and observance of personal and public cleanliness and hygiene are emphasized in the Islamic tradition, and practical guidelines have been proposed in this regard.
In various statements, the Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muḥammad (peace be upon him and his family), spoke concerning cleanliness and personal hygiene, saying:
“Islam is pure, so purify yourselves, for none shall enter Paradise except one who is pure.”[3]
“…Cleanliness is part of faith…”[4]
“The worst of servants are the filthy ones.”[5]
“Allah despises filthiness and untidiness.”[6]
“No one should sleep at night with greasy hands…”[7]
“Trim your nails…”[8]
“Were it not difficult for my community, I would have commanded them to use the toothstick before every prayer.”[9]
“Two units of prayer performed with the toothstick are more beloved to God than seventy units performed without it.”[10]
“Use the toothpick, for nothing is more detested by the angels than food left between the teeth.”[11]
“Of the things of your world, fragrance is beloved to me, and the delight of my eyes is in prayer.” [12]
“The use of fragrance strengthens the heart.”[13]
He also said concerning public cleanliness and hygiene:
“Keep your courtyards and the surroundings of your houses clean…”[14]
“Do not pile up refuse behind your houses, for that is the dwelling place of devils (impurity).”[15]
“Do not keep garbage in your houses overnight, for it is the dwelling place of devils (impurity).”[16]
Indeed, this was a selection from the precious counsels of the Messenger of Mercy, Prophet Muḥammad ibn ʿAbd Allāh (peace be upon him and his family), regarding the observance of personal and social cleanliness and hygiene. His exhortation to one of his companions in this regard clearly illustrates this emphasis: “O Anas! Observe purity and cleanliness more diligently, so that God may increase your lifespan.”[17]
(Taken from the book Mafātīḥ al-Ḥayāh, authored by Āyat Allāh Jawādī Āmulī, abridged)
Footnotes:
[1] “So fear Allah as much as you are able…” Sūrat al-Taghābun, verse 16
[2] Nahj al-Faṣāḥa, ḥadīth 1182
[3] Nahj al-Faṣāḥa, ḥadīth 112
[4] Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 59, p. 291
[5] al-Kāfī, vol. 6, p. 439
[6] Nahj al-Faṣāḥa, ḥadīth 741
[7] Makārim al-Akhlāq, p. 425
[8] Man Lā Yaḥḍuruhu al-Faqīh, vol. 1, p. 128
[9] al-Kāfī, vol. 3, p. 22
[10] al-Khiṣāl, p. 481
[11] Makārim al-Akhlāq, p. 153
[12] al-Khiṣāl, p. 165
[13] al-Kāfī, vol. 6, p. 510
[14] Mawsūʿat Aḥādīth Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), vol. 11, p. 371
[15] ʿIlal al-Sharāʾiʿ, p. 583
[16] Makārim al-Akhlāq, p. 425
[17] al-Amālī of Shaykh al-Mufīd, p. 60