Cleanliness and Personal Hygiene in Islam

Suyuti1 · Jun 09, 2025, 01:16 PM

Cleanliness (ṭahārah) is a fundamental part of faith in Islam. The Prophet ﷺ said:

"ٱلطَّهُورُ شَطْرُ ٱلْإِيمَانِ"
"Cleanliness is half of faith."
— Sahih Muslim (223)

Allah commands believers to maintain purity:

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُطَّهِّرِينَ
"Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves."
— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:222)

Personal hygiene includes regular ablution (wudu), bathing, trimming nails, cleaning teeth (using miswak), and wearing clean clothes. These acts prepare a Muslim physically and spiritually for worship.

The companions, like Abu Hurairah (RA), emphasized the Prophet's teaching on hygiene:

"لَوْلَا أَنْ أُشَقَّ عَلَى أُمَّتِي لَأَمَرْتُهُمْ بِالسِّواكِ عِنْدَ كُلِّ صَلَاةٍ"
"If it were not hard for my nation, I would have commanded them to use the siwak (tooth-stick) at every prayer."
— Sahih al-Bukhārī (887)

Cleanliness also extends to one's environment and social dealings, promoting health and dignity.

By observing cleanliness, a Muslim honors Allah's commands and presents a beautiful character to the world.

Cleanliness and Personal Hygiene in Islam

Suyuti1

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