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.