Islam places great emphasis on both physical and spiritual cleanliness. While many people consider physical cleanliness a natural and preferred attribute, Islam asserts cleanliness as a fundamental of faith. In a hadith our beloved Prophet (pbuh) said, “Cleanliness is half of faith” (Sahih Muslim). We are commanded to keep our bodies, clothes, homes, and environment clean. Islam has so much emphasis on cleanliness, not only for our own good, but also to avoid disturbing others around us. For example, if one wears clothes with a pungent smell they can distract others in salat.
Along with external cleanliness, Islam emphasizes on spiritual cleanliness. The cleanliness and purity of the inner heart allows one to be free of hypocrisy, ill manners, and love of the dunya (secular world). One with a pure heart will only have purified intentions in everything they pursue and do solely for the sake of Allah (SWT). The physical cleaning processes in reality are the preparatory groundwork to obtain the ultimate goal in this life, and that is cleanliness of the inner soul. Islam demands the sincere believer to sanitize and purify his entire way of life to help the believer refrain from physical and spiritual impurities. The main motives of Zakat (charity) and fasting are nothing but to purify one's wealth and soul.
Cleanliness is the pathway to health and spiritual strength. We should strive for a healthy and strong Ummah which is immune against infectious diseases of the physical body and heart so it is competent enough to understand and spread the word of Allah (SWT).
Along with external cleanliness, Islam emphasizes on spiritual cleanliness. The cleanliness and purity of the inner heart allows one to be free of hypocrisy, ill manners, and love of the dunya (secular world). One with a pure heart will only have purified intentions in everything they pursue and do solely for the sake of Allah (SWT). The physical cleaning processes in reality are the preparatory groundwork to obtain the ultimate goal in this life, and that is cleanliness of the inner soul. Islam demands the sincere believer to sanitize and purify his entire way of life to help the believer refrain from physical and spiritual impurities. The main motives of Zakat (charity) and fasting are nothing but to purify one's wealth and soul.
Cleanliness is the pathway to health and spiritual strength. We should strive for a healthy and strong Ummah which is immune against infectious diseases of the physical body and heart so it is competent enough to understand and spread the word of Allah (SWT).