‘Taharah’ refers to purity and cleanliness in Islam. It is a unique state of sanitation, which affects both the body and the soul. This degree and concept of hygiene is alien to any other faith. It is a matter of pride for us as Muslims, who take extreme care and caution with regards to our personal and public hygiene.

“Taharah is considered to be half of one’s faith.” (Muslim) The Quran has explicitly praised the inhabitants of Quba, a small town near Madinah, who used to give special attention to Taharah.

Strict adherence to the principles of Taharah is a pre-requisite in order for one’s personal worship to be accepted, and for Dawah (call to Islam) in public to be effective.

Jews in those times used to ridicule Muslims by such remarks as: “Your prophet teaches you etiquettes of relieving yourself?” To this, the companions beaming with radiance and pride answered: “Yes. He does indeed.” For they fathomed clearly that there was not an inch on the face of this earth, where a Muslim could escape Allah’s (swt) sight, and, hence, there were no private moments or places, where he was free to act as he pleased. A Muslim is a slave of his Rabb (Lord) (swt) and lives only to please his Creator (swt), which also benefits him enormously in his temporary life and eternal existence.

Also, be mindful that 1400 years back, in the lap of sand dunes and the scorching sun, neither did they have cool running water nor in frosty winters did they have convenient hot water boilers. In spite of meagre water, Muslims were not exempted from Taharah. Rather, it was another tool of teaching them to refrain from wastefulness and use Allah’s (swt) blessings with measurement and gratitude.

There is a deep connection between cleanliness, one’s pattern of thoughts and resulting actions. Don’t we feel fresh, energetic and lighthearted after a Ghusl (bath) or Wudhu? Why does Satan coax us to live in a state of defilement such as refraining from taking regular baths, clipping nails, removing unwanted hair, forgoing our Wudhu out of laziness or not keeping personal hygiene? Similarly, why does he try to convince us out of tidying up our own mess, and keeping an orderly environment at home and work? Apparently, all of these things sound so petty and frivolous. One might argue what the hue and cry is, if one is only slightly lax about cleanliness? 

Satan has much to achieve, when we fall prey to his trap of maintaining poor hygiene.

Impurity and unhygienic conditions are detrimental to the body, as they obviously breed diseases. An unkempt person or place is hardly a sight for sore eyes. The chaos and filth around us depresses us, and we feel negativity, instead of constructive and creative energy. Unclean environments also invite procrastination, and one delays his/her work. It is burdensome for the soul, as one’s goodness feels literally assaulted. An unclean body and environment is an apt abode for wicked and evil thoughts. The list goes on and on.

Allah’s messenger (saw) has taught us a prayer to be recited after our Wudhu: “O Allah, make me of those who turn to You and repent much, and make me of those who stay clean and very pure.” (Tirmidhi)   

In order to taste the sweetness of Iman and for Allah’s (swt) love and Mercy to permeate our lives, we will have to maintain the standards set for a pure and clean lifestyle. If Allah’s (saw) angels do not visit an unclean place or person, how can we expect Allah (swt) (The All Pure) to bestow His mercy upon such an individual or home? Impurity and filth are only for Satan and Satanic actions. Please steer clear of them.