Cleanliness and general hygiene
As the coronavirus takes hold of the world, epidemiologist and government officials highlight the importance of hygiene, social-distancing and taking precautions in limiting the spread of the virus. In this fourth reflection, I want to focus on cleanliness.
Cleanliness: washing of the hands
We are told by governmental officials that one of the best ways to reduce the spread of the infection is through washing the hands regularly for at least 20 seconds. This precautionary measure of adopting good hygiene practises is a fundamental aspect of Islam.
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Cleanliness is half of faith.” [Muslim]
Washing hands is part of Wudhu (ritual ablution) which also includes the face, arms, head and feet. Wudhu is a pre-requisite of the five daily prayers. We are not only encouraged to perform Wudhu, but to preform it well and also maintain being in the state of Wudhu throughout the day.
“If any Muslim performed Wudhu, and [let him] perform it well.” [Muslim]
“Know that the best of your deeds is Salat (prayer) and that no one maintains his ablution except a believer.” [Sunan Ibn Majah]
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to wash his hands before eating as well, he said:
“Wudhu (washing the hands) before and after eating (washing the hands and mouth) increases blessings.” [Shama’il Muhammadiyah]
Cleanliness: dedicated use of the right and left hand
Our tradition provides us with a simple mandate in the use of our hands. As a general principle, it stipulates that the right hand is used for carrying out all things that are noble and the left hand is only used for carrying out things that are not noble.
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) advised us to dedicate the left hand for cleaning ourselves and the right hand for eating and drinking and thereby reducing the possibility of cross-contamination. He said:
“When anyone of you cleans himself, he should not clean himself with his right hand. Let him clean himself with his left hand.” [Sunan Ibn Majah]
“Let one of you eat with his right hand and drink with his right hand, and take with his right hand and give with his right hand.” [Sunan Ibn Majah]
Another advice government officials advised us in a bid to stop the spread of the virus is to use a tissue for coughs and sneezes. It is narrated that:
“Whenever the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) sneezed, he would cover his mouth with his hand or a piece of cloth, suppressing the sound this way.” [Abu Dawud]
General cleanliness
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) also placed importance in good hygiene and appearance; brushing one’s teeth, combing one’s hair and beard, taking regular ghusl, adorning perfume, wearing clean clothes and having a good appearance. A Muslim should be beautiful in both his appearance and character.
When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) looked in the mirror, he used to say:
“Praise be to Allah. Oh Allah, as you have beautified me, beautify my character.” [Al-Adhkaar of Imam an-Nawwawi]
In summary
Our Shari’ah literally means the path to the water. Water is a source of life, it is the substance that sustains life, it quenches the thirst of the parched and it purifies the unclean. Our Shari’ah commanded us to be pure outwardly and inwardly. Washing our hands regularly is a key feature of our life such that Islam built it in our daily ritual.
The government are telling us to wash several times a day, so wash your hands, in fact, wash your hands a lot! Whilst you wash your hands, be mindful and present, connect it not to just outward cleanliness but also inward purification. If you can, try to maintain Wudhu throughout the entire day. It seems even the stock market is doing Wudhu as the interest rate is cut to zero!
If it was not already known, then certainly now, the coronavirus has galvanised one thing for us as Muslims is that the Sunnah is all good practices. So take precaution, keep washing your hands and take comfort in practising your religion.
