Islam is a complete way of life, which deals extensively on both the spiritual, as well as the physical well-being of its adherents. Hygiene in Islam is one of the great privileges in Islam. This write-up is aimed at examining the Islamic perspective on physical cleanliness.

The significance of Hygiene in Islam

Cleanliness and purification is an essential part of Islamic life, and in fact, the philosophy behind it in Islam is much beyond the superficial concept of the conventional cleanliness. 

In the Quran, Allah says:

"…Indeed Allah loves the penitent, and He loves those who keep clean." (2:222)

Similarly, one of the injunctions that were revealed unto the Prophet (PBUH&HP) following his call to rise and warn was the purification of his garments [i]. The Holy Prophet (PBUH&HP) and the infallible leaders (AS) have instructed the Muslims to maintain cleanliness and have seriously frowned at dirtiness and untidiness [ii].

Hygiene in Islam at Birth and Death 

When a child is born, Islam enjoins the Muslims to maintain a high level of cleanliness and purity concerning him/her, as this has an impact on the mind and soul of that child. If the parents neglect this duty, they should answer before God for the consequences. Similarly, circumcision of the male child-preferably on the seventh day- is a mandatory Islamic custom. That is because it “prevents the child against the possible infection of the male genital organ" [3].

Also, at death, it is mandatory to perform full body washing ablution (Ghusl) for a dead body of a Muslim.

Ablutions (Wudu) & (Ghusl)

In addition, ablution (Wudu) and body purity are considered as very crucial conditions for the validity of prayer (Salat), which is the most significant act of worship in Islam. In fact, on a normal circumstance, a Muslim cannot offer his prayers with an unclean body, clothes or use dirty premises. They are enjoined to use clean, pure water and keep it safe from any form of impurities.

Various full body-washing ablutions (Ghusl) after the release of semen, expiration of monthly period or childbirth, touching of dead bodies, etc. are prescribed in Islam to observe some religious obligations.

Personal Hygiene in Islam

Cleansing of their genitals with water or other cleansing materials after passing urine or excreta are parts of the Islamic customs. Similarly, Muslims on an interval are enjoined to clip their nails and to shave the hair in their armpit and pubic area. Likewise, they are also enjoined to trim their mustaches in order to avert oral intakes, keep oral hygiene, good physical appearance and to make use of fragrance. Similarly, Islam emphatically enjoins a Muslim to keep his clothes, houses, and environment clean. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) said: “The Arch Gabriel continuously ordered me to clean my teeth until I thought it would be made compulsory” [4].

Food Hygiene

In the Quran and narrations (Hadiths) of the Prophet (PBUH&HP) and the infallible Leaders (Ahl-al-Bayt) (AS), great emphasis has been placed on the cleanliness and purity of the foods and drinks. For the importance attached to the well-being of the body as well as that of the soul, Islam has enjoined the entire human beings and the believers in particular to consume hygienic, pure and lawful foods [iii].  Similarly, it forbids the consumption or usage of all unhygienic, impure and unlawful foods/drinks (such as blood, dead animal, dogs, pig, intoxicants, etc.) and they are considered great sins in Islam and punishable under the Islamic laws.

Conclusion

Cleanliness and personal hygiene in the Islamic custom are aimed at keeping both the body and mind healthy. In some cases such as ablution (Wudu) and body-washing ablution (Ghusl), body purity is considered a prerequisite for the observance of prayers. Moreover, body purity is one of the necessary conditions for attaining an inner or spiritual purity. It is based on this that Muslims are strictly enjoined to uphold high standards of physical hygiene and to be ritually cleaned whenever possible.

Notes:

[i] (74:4)

[ii] The Prophet (PBUHHP) said: "Verily, Islam is [the religion of] cleanliness, so cleanse yourselves. For surely, only the cleanly enter Paradise" [1] and "Observe cleanliness in every respect you are capable, for indeed God based Islam on cleanliness" [2].

[iii]. "O humankind! Eat of what is lawful and pure in the earth…" (2: 168). "O you who have faith! Eat of the good things We have provided you, and thank Allah if it is Him that you worship." (2: 172)

References:

1. Nahj al-Fasahah, Vol. 2, P. 998.
2. Ibid.
3. Ibrahim Amini, Principles of upbringing children, chapter 25 P. 176 (published by Ansariyan publications, Qum)
4. Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 76, P. 126.

1.  Planting Trees

Each fruit of the tree you have planted will be appreciated by a reward from Allah. 
Kanz al-Amaal, vol.12, p.341.

2.  Learning during Youth

What is learned during youth, like an engraving on a stone, will never be forgotten. 
Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 1, p. 222.

3. Mothers

Heaven lies beneath the feet of mothers. 

Mizan al-Hikmah, hadith no. 22691.

4. Respecting The Elderly

Respecting a Muslim elderly is like showing respect to Allah.
Usul al-Kafi, vol.2, p.165.

5. The Sources of  Mercy

The elderly are the sources of mercy and divine blessing.
Nahj al-fasaha, p.222.

6. The Most Generous according to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP)

The most generous among you is the one who spreads what he has learned among people.
Mizan al-Hikmah, hadith no. 13825.

7. The Faithful  

The faithful are tied in kindness and affection together like members of a body, one’s pain and hardship affect the others. 
Bihar al-Anwar, vol.58, p.150

8.  Marriage 

The one who gets married has completed half of his/her religion. 

Kanz al-Amaal, hadith no.44403.

9. The Mission of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP)

Indeed, I have been sent to revive the virtues and good morals.
Bihar al-Anwar, vol.16, p.286.

10.  Playing during Childhood

Playfulness during childhood will elevate one in wisdom in his/her adulthood.
Nahj al-Fasaha, p.564, Hadith no. 1940.

11.  The Closest Ones

The kindest, most amiable, generous, patient, and just among you is the closest to me in manner.   
Usul al-Kafi, vol.2, p.240-241.

12. Treating Children 

Be childlike with children.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Man la Yahduruhu al-faqih, vol.3, p.483.

13.  Keep Your Promises to Children 

Love children and be kind to them and keep your promises to them since they only know you as their providers.
Usul al-Kafi, vol.6, p.49.

14. The One Who Wins Allah's Praise  

Allah’s love and praise be upon the one who helps his/her children by doing good to them, caring for, and educating them. 
Mustadrak al-Wasaiil, vol.15, p.169.

15. Greeting Children, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP)'s Tradition

There are five activities that I won’t leave off till I’m alive so that they would become part of my tradition. [One of them] is greeting children.
Makarem al-Akhlaq, vol.1, p.251.  

16. Fathers   

Being like your father is one of the best blessings of Allah to you.
Bihar al-Anwar, vol.71, p.84.

17. Looking Kindly at Your Parents   

The kind look of a child to his/her parents is as praying in Allah’s regard. 
Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.46.

18. Treating Your Family 

The best among you is the one who treats his family best, and I am better than all of you for my family.
Nahj-al fesaha, p.472, Hadith no. 1520.

19. The Desired Family    

Whenever Allah desires the best for a family, He raises their awareness about the religion. The younger ones respect the elders, they observe moderation in their expenses, and they would know about their faults to make them right. 
Nahj-al Fasaha, p.181, Hadith no. 147

20. Delighting Your Parents  

Whoever delights his/her parents, has delighted Allah and the one who displeases them has displeased Allah.
Ali ibn Abd-al-Malik al-Hindi, Kanz al-Ummal, vol.16, p.470.

21.  Imam Ali (AS)

Whomever I am his/her leader (Mawla), then Ali is his/her leader (Mawla). 

Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal, vol.4, p.370. 

22. Women's Status in Allah's Regard

Women are held dearer in Allah’s regard than men, and Allah will highly reward any man who brings joy to his Mahram women.  
Usul al-Kafi, vol.6, p.7.

23. Martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS)

Martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) has ignited the hearts of believers with a pain that will never be subsided.
Jami al-Ahadith al-Shia, vol 12., p.556.

24. A Good Friend 

When Allah wants to pour His blessings upon you, He endows you with a Good Friend. 
Nahj al-Fasaha, p.776. 

25. Allah's Favorite    

When Allah chooses to favor someone, He makes him the source of satisfying other people's needs. 

26. Lady Fatimah (AS)  

Fatima is of my flesh, who is the light of my eyes and the warmth of my heart.
al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Al-Amali, p.486.

27. Humanity    

Loving Humanity is second only to having faith in Allah as one of the best deeds in Islam. 
Nahj al-Fasaha, p.74,  Hadith no. 387.

28.  An Act of Charity

If a Muslim plants a tree or any plant and a human, bird, or any other animals use it, Allah counts it as an act of charity.” 
Mustadrak al-Wasaiil, vol.13, p.460.

29. Lying      

Lying would negatively influence your livelihood.
Nahj al-Fasaha, p.373, Hadith no. 1087.

30. The Most Honest, Steadfast and Kindest   

On the Day of Judgment, those who were most honest in their words, steadfast in their promises and kindest in their manners, will be the closest ones to me.
Al-Shaykh al-Tusi, Al-Amali, p.229.

31. The Lawful (Halal) Earning

Praying has seventy parts, the most important and biggest of which is lawful (Halal) earning. 
Mustadrak al-Wasaiil, vol.13, p.12.

32. Performing Prayers

The most praised deeds in Allah’s regard is performing prayers (Salat) on their due time.
Kanz al-Amal, vol. 7, Hadith 18897.

33. A Desired Companion

The most desired companion is like a perfumer; his/her perfume would reach you, even if he/she didn't give you anything.

Kanz al-Amal, vol.9, Hadith 24676.

34. Eating Less  

Eating less results in a healthier body and a more tender heart while overeating makes one sick and hard-hearted. 
Mizan al-Hikmah, Hadith 579.

35. "I Love You"  

The words of “I love you,” said by a man to his wife, will forever be engraved upon the woman’s heart. 
Wassail al-Shia, vol. 14, p.10.

36.  Causing Harm   

Causing harm to yourself and others is forbidden in Islam.
Usul al-Kafi, vol.5, p.292.

37. Security and Health 

There are two blessings to which no one gives thanks: security and health. 
Khisal, p.34. 

38. The Most Grateful Person    

The most grateful person is the one who thanks people most.

Nahj al-Fasaha, Hadith no. 312.  

39. Saving someone's Reputation   

Whoever saves a believer’s reputation will surely be rewarded by heaven. 
Al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Thawab al-a'mal wa 'iqab al-Amal, p.145.

40. Ignorance and Wisdom  

No lack is more irritating than ignorance, and no wealth is more advantageous than wisdom.  
Ususl al-Kafi, vol.1, p.25-26, Hadith 25