Cleanliness is an important part of Islam. In fact, many hadiths have been narrated on this topic, and even the Quran highlights that Allah (SWT) loves those who keep themselves clean at all times.
“Truly, Allah loves those who turn unto Him in repentance and loves those who purify themselves (by taking a bath and cleaning their bodies)“
(Surah-Baqarah 2:222)
Despite its importance, people rarely know what cleanliness and hygiene in Islam actually mean or what proper Islamic methods are for keeping oneself clean and in good health at all times. Yes, there are various Hadiths and Quranic verses that explain the right guidelines for personal grooming and improving hygiene, but if you don’t know these, then be sure to read this guide, which explains all of these.
What is Cleanliness and Hygiene in Islam?
Personal hygiene and cleanliness are an integral part of a Muslim's lifestyle, as cleanliness and purity are highly valued in Islam. Holy Prophet (PBUH) has said:
"Cleanliness is half of faith."
(Sahih Muslim 223)
Numerous hadiths of the Prophet (PBUH) highlight the importance of hygiene and its rewards. In one of the sayings, maintaining cleanliness and following proper grooming practices has been associated with Fitra (giving charity)
“Five are the acts quite akin to the Fitra, or five are the acts of Fitra: circumcision, shaving the pubes, cutting the nails, plucking the hair under the armpits, and clipping the mustache”
(Sahih Al-Bukhari 5889)
5 Tips for Grooming and Maintaining Hygiene in Islam
Check out the following tips for grooming in Islam:
1. Perform Regular Wudu (Ablution)
Wudu (ablution) is a fundamental practice of cleanliness in Islam. By washing the hands, mouth, nose, face, arms, head, and feet with water, you are not only preparing for prayer (Salat) but also maintaining a high level of personal hygiene. Regular wudu (ablution) can refresh your body and cleanse impurities, especially if it is part of your daily routine beyond prayer times.
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“On the Day of Resurrection, my followers will be called "Al-Ghurr-ul- Muhajjalun" from the trace of ablution and whoever can increase the area of his radiance should do so (i.e. by performing ablution regularly)."
(Sahih al-Bukhari 136)
This hadith shows that performing wudhu has benefits in the afterlife as well and Allah (SWT) like those who keep themselves clean and tidy at all times.
2. Trim Nails and Groom Your Hair
Long nails not only don’t look good in public, but they also accumulate dirt and bacteria, so Muslims are encouraged to trim them and keep their nails short and clean. The same applies to hairs we should keep them clean wash them regularly to remove any dirt or lice, and apply hair oil for healthy growth and protection from damage.
Holy Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Whoever has hair should honour it”
(Sunan Abi Dawud 4163)
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3. Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene means keeping your mouth and teeth clean and bacteria-free to prevent diseases and decay. Muslims are encouraged to maintain oral cleanliness by brushing their teeth regularly, especially before prayers.
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) encouraged believers to use miswak to clean their teeth.
"The miswak purifies the mouth and is pleasing to the Lord."
(Sunan Al-Nasa'i 5)
Even though not everyone has access to miswak these days, they can use regular toothbrushes to clean their teeth on a daily basis.
4. Wear Clean and Modest Clothes
Modesty is an integral part of Islam, and this means wearing loose clothes that fully cover the body and are not too revealing. Modesty guidelines are different for both women and men. Women should wear loose clothing that covers the entire body except the face and hands, whereas men are allowed to wear clothes that cover their awrah (the area between the navel and the knee) and avoid wearing clothing that is too tight and reveals body shape.
As Muslims, we are encouraged to follow these guidelines and wear clean and washed clothes that reflect modesty and present us respectfully in both social and religious settings. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Modesty is part of faith, and faith will be in Paradise”
(Sunan Ibn Majah 4184)
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5. Living Space Cleanliness
Lastly, cleanliness is not just wearing clean clothes or following grooming and hygiene practices. It also means keeping living spaces clean from dirt and garbage. Muslims are encouraged to maintain clean and organised living spaces in their homes and surrounding areas.
Holy Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Allah is Tayyib (Pure) and loves purity, He is Clean and loves cleanliness, He is Generous and loves generosity, He is Hospitable and loves hospitality."
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2799)
This shows that living in a clean and hospitable environment is something that Allah (SWT) loves and rewards as well.
Conclusion
In conclusion, good grooming and personal hygiene are important practices in Islam that help to glorify God and promote good health. By following the guidance of the Quran and hadith, believers can cultivate habits of cleanliness and care for their bodies that reflect their devotion to God and respect for themselves and others. May these Islamic grooming and personal hygiene tips remind us to prioritise these practices in our daily lives.
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Bilal Mohsin is a content and UX writer at Riwaya, specialising in travel, religion, lifestyle, tourism, fashion, and wellness. He is dedicated to delivering authentic, well-researched information that enriches readers' lives
Islamic grooming refers to the practice of personal care and cleanliness following the teachings of the prophet Muhammed. It includes practices such as bathing, trimming nails and hair, and adhering to guidelines for purity and modesty.
Q2: What is the significance of Friday in Islamic grooming practices?
Muslims gather for Friday prayers, known as Jummah. It's the most important weekly prayer and mandatory for men. Taking a bath or shower on Fridays before Jummah is encouraged as a recommended act of personal hygiene called Ghusl.
Q3: What is Ghusl?
Ghusl is a full-body purification that is mandatory for any adult Muslim. Some of the instances, when ghusl is obligatory, include sexual intercourse, menstruation, and after formally converting
Q4: How to perform Ghusl?
Begin with the intention to purify yourself. Say Bismillah and wash your hands three times, then clean the private parts. Proceed with wudu (ablution) as you would for prayer, except for the feet. Now, pour water over your head three times. Wash your entire body, starting from the right side and then the left. Finally, wash your feet.
Q5: What is ablution?
Ablution, also known as Wudu, is a purification that Muslims must perform before prayer. During wudu, a Muslim washes their hands, rinse their mouth, cleanse their nose, wash their face and arms, wipe their head/hair, and finally wash their feet.
