Islam is a religion which advises its followers to exercise
cleanliness of self, both inside and outside. It encourages Muslims to keep one’s
self and environment clean. As regards the personal hygiene, Muslims are
advised to keep the body, house and community neat and clean. Bodies and clothes
should be clean. Thoughts should be clean.
Islam has extensive teachings which are related to all the
aspects of human life and cover all human needs, whether material or spiritual,
individual or social. It includes important provisions regarding cleanliness,
sound nutrition, and hygiene, physical and mental health.
The Holy Qur’an says:
“Truly, Allah loves those who ask for forgiveness and strive
to keep themselves clean.” (2:222)
“Allah sends down water from the Heavens upon you, and
thereby He may purify you”
(8:11 )
“O you messengers! Eat of the good things and do what is
right.” (23:51 )
“O you who believe! Eat of the good things with which We
have provided you, and give thanks to Allah.” (2:172)
The Noble Prophet
(s.a.w.s.) said:
Cleanliness is part of faith.
Everybody who chooses a dress must keep it clean.
Had it not been inconvenient, I would have enjoined upon the
Muslims
to brush their teeth before every prayer.
Keep the compound and front part of your house well-swept
and clean.
He who sweeps a masjid is rewarded by Allah as if he
obtained the release of a slave.
The dossier of a man, who abstains from spitting and blowing
his nose in a mosque, will be in his right hand on the Day of Resurrection.
Either take a proper care of your long hair of your head or
clip them.
Do not grow long moustache, for the devil finds a shelter
in them.
Do not keep the rubbish inside the house at night.
Commander of the
Faithful said:
It was the practice of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) to raise
his mouth, throat and nose with water. It makes ones mouth and nose clean.
Remove cobwebs from your house, for they cause poverty.
The removal of the hair of the arm-pits is a part of
cleanliness.
Washing one’s hands before having meals, would prolong life,
prevents becoming one’s clothes dirty, and would enlighten one’s eyes.
Imam Jaffer al-Sadiq
(a.s.) said:
Washing dishes and keeping the house clean increases
sustenance.
Brushing the teeth is tradition of the prophets.
To trim the finger nails was a practice of the Noble Prophet
(s.a.w.s.).
Imam Musa al-Kazim
(a.s.) said:
To take a bath every second day makes a man healthy and
strong.
Following are some of the Islamic injunctions in connection
with health, hygiene and nutrition and about the cleanliness of air and
environment:
Urination and excretion on the banks of a river, in front of
a mosque, on the streets, in the graveyard, under the fruit trees, in a
standing position, with face or back of Qibla are prohibited.
Wash fruits before eating it.
Do not eat food while it is too hot.
Observe regularity in regard to food.
Do not gulp water in a single draught. Drink it slowly.
Do not puff up water or hot food.
Take small morsels of food and chew them well.
Wash your hands and mouth before and after every meal.
Do not take food without having appetite and stop eating a
little before the stomach is full.
Keep food and water covered.
Massage your body regularly.
Use perfume and rub oil over your body and the hair of your
head.
Comb and dress the hair of your head.
Wash your head and face after a haircut and wash your hands
after clipping your finger nails.
Do not take injurious food or drink
Take bath or perform ablution, as the case may be, for
offering prayers and observe all the rules concerning them.
Offer prayers with clean body and pure clothes.
Go to bed early and rise early.
Keep your head out of the covering while sleeping.
Have a walk in the morning.
Choose an open environment and a vast compound for living.
Go to wash room before retiring for bed.
References:
Philosophy of Islam by Dr. Behshti
Principles of Marriage and Family ethics
By Ayatullah
Ibrahim Amini
Glances on the life of Holy Prophet
By Dar Rahe Haqq
Board of Writers
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