Jumat Lesson: Spiritual, personal and dietary cleanliness in Islam

Cleanliness in Islam extends beyond mere physical aspects; it encompasses spiritual, personal, and environmental cleanliness. The Quran provides comprehensive guidelines that highlight the significance of cleanliness as an essential part of a Muslim’s faith and daily life. Through various forms of purification, such as Wudu, Ghusl, and the consumption of Halal food, Muslims are encouraged to maintain both inner and outer purity, reflecting their devotion to Allah and adherence to Islamic teachings.

Cleanliness, both spiritual and physical, holds a significant place in Islam. It is not only a recommendation but an integral part of a Muslim’s faith and practice. The importance of cleanliness is emphasised through various aspects of daily life, worship, and social conduct.

The Quran, the holy book of Islam, provides clear guidance on the importance of cleanliness.

Spiritual cleanliness in Islam pertains to the purity of the heart and mind, free from sins and moral impurities.

The Quran emphasises the importance of inner purity: “Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves.” — Quran 2:222

This verse highlights the dual importance of repentance (which purifies the soul from sin) and physical cleanliness.

“O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles.” — Quran 5:6

This verse outlines the practice of Wudu (ablution), a form of purification that Muslims perform before prayers, emphasising both physical and spiritual cleanliness.

Physical cleanliness in Islam encompasses both personal hygiene and environmental cleanliness. “Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves.” — Quran 2:222

This verse, reiterated for its importance, signifies that physical purity is an act of worship and a beloved deed to Allah.

“Within it are men who love to purify themselves; and Allah loves those who purify themselves.” — Qur’an 9:108 This verse refers to a mosque built on the foundations of piety and cleanliness, highlighting that cleanliness is a characteristic of those who are devoted to Allah.

Islamic teachings emphasise personal hygiene, covering various aspects such as oral hygiene, grooming, and bodily cleanliness.

“O you who have believed, do not approach prayer while you are intoxicated until you know what you are saying or in a state of janabah [i.e., sexual impurity, except those passing through [a place of prayer], until you have washed [your whole body].

“And if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the place of relieving himself or you have contacted women and do not find water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and your hands with it. Indeed, Allah is ever Pardoning and Forgiving.” — Quran 4:43

This verse underscores the necessity of Ghusl (full-body ritual purification) after major impurities and Tayammum (dry ablution) when water is unavailable, indicating the high importance of cleanliness before engaging in prayers.

Maintaining a clean environment is also a significant aspect of cleanliness in Islam.

“And [mention, O Muhammad], when We designated for Abraham the site of the House, [saying], ‘Do not associate anything with Me and purify My House for those who perform Tawaf and those who stand [in prayer] and those who bow and prostrate.'” — Quran 22:26:

This verse instructs the purification of the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam, indicating the importance of maintaining cleanliness in places of worship.

The Quran also emphasises the consumption of clean and lawful food.

“O you who have believed, eat from the good things which We have provided for you and be grateful to Allah if it is [indeed] Him that you worship.” — Quran 2:172

The term “good things” refers to food that is clean, pure, and lawful (Halal), stressing that dietary cleanliness is a form of gratitude and worship.