Cleanliness and purification is one of the great privileges of Islam. It has evolved a wonderful system that encompasses Muslim life on individual and social levels.
Islam places great emphasis on cleanliness, in both physical and spiritual terms. While people generally consider cleanliness a desirable attribute, Islam insists on it, making it an indispensable fundamental of faith.
Cleanliness is an essential part of Islamic life. Muslims are required to take care of their personal hygiene by assuring that they are well groomed, and that their bodies, clothing, and surroundings are clean. Prophet Muhammad informed his companions and thus all of us, about the importance of cleanliness when he said, “cleanliness is half of faith.”
The Quran is more specific and says, “Truly, God loves those who turn unto Him in repentance and loves those who purify themselves.” (Quran 2:222)
Personal hygiene is desirable at all times but in Islam certain aspects of personal hygiene are not only important but also compulsory.
The Arabic word for purity is ‘tahara’ and it means to be free from filth, both spiritual and physical. Purity is the key to prayer.