Cleanliness in Islam: A Detailed Report with References from Sahih Bukhari

 

Cleanliness holds immense significance in Islam, permeating not just physical hygiene but also spiritual and moral purity. This report delves into the Islamic perspective on cleanliness, drawing insights from the esteemed Hadith collection Sahih Bukhari.

Physical Cleanliness:

• Purification before Prayer: Ritual ablution (wudu) before every prayer is mandatory, emphasizing the importance of physical cleanliness before connecting with the divine. (Sahih Bukhari, Book 1, Hadith 625)
• Emphasis on Personal Hygiene: The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized personal hygiene, urging Muslims to brush their teeth, trim their nails, and bathe regularly. (Sahih Bukhari, Book 7, Hadith 582)
• Cleanliness of Surroundings: Keeping homes and public spaces clean is encouraged, as Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) disapproved of throwing filth in paths and streets. (Sahih Bukhari, Book 8, Hadith 311)

Spiritual and Moral Cleanliness:

• Purity of Intention: Inner purity of intention is crucial in Islam. Actions motivated by good intentions, even if unsuccessful, are valued over those driven by self-interest. (Sahih Bukhari, Book 8, Hadith 47)
• Avoiding Sinful Acts: Abstaining from sinful acts like lying, cheating, and backbiting is seen as a form of spiritual cleanliness. (Sahih Bukhari, Book 8, Hadith 357)
• Cleanliness of Speech: Guarding one’s tongue from harmful and offensive language is emphasized, promoting respectful and kind communication. (Sahih Bukhari, Book 8, Hadith 605)

Hadiths from Sahih Bukhari:

• “Cleanliness is half of faith.” (Sahih Bukhari, Book 7, Hadith 582) This Hadith highlights the fundamental importance of cleanliness in Islamic faith.
• “The Prophet (ﷺ) used to take a bath every Friday, applying henna and kohl.” (Sahih Bukhari, Book 7, Hadith 583) This Hadith demonstrates the Prophet’s (ﷺ) personal practice of maintaining cleanliness and self-care.
• “Whoever removes a harmful thing from the path of people, Allah will record him as having done a good deed.” (Sahih Bukhari, Book 8, Hadith 328) This Hadith emphasizes the responsibility of Muslims to contribute to the cleanliness of their surroundings.

Conclusion:

Cleanliness in Islam goes beyond mere physical hygiene. It encompasses spiritual and moral purity, urging Muslims to strive for inner and outer cleanliness. The teachings in Sahih Bukhari provide valuable guidance on maintaining personal hygiene, contributing to a clean environment, and cultivating a pure heart. By embracing these principles, Muslims can fulfill their religious obligations and contribute to a more wholesome society.