Rulings on Purification

1. Definition of Taharah (Purification)

1.1 Linguistic Meaning

Taharah linguistically means cleanliness and purity, and being free from impurities.
This includes:

• Physical impurities, such as najāsah (ritual filth) and dirt
• Abstract impurities, such as sins, immoral behavior, and spiritual corruption

1.2 Technical (Islamic) Meaning

In Islamic law, taharah refers to acts that render worship permissible, such as:

• Performing wudu (ablution)
• Performing ghusl (ritual bath)
• Removing impurities from the body, clothing, and place of prayer

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2. The Importance of Cleanliness in Islam

Islam places great emphasis on cleanliness, as evidenced by the following:

2.1 Performing Ablution for Prayer

Allah says in the Qur’an (Al-Ma’idah 5:6):

“O you who believe! When you rise to perform prayer, wash your faces and your hands up to the elbows, wipe your heads, and wash your feet up to the ankles.”

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2.2 Bathing on Certain Occasions

Allah says:

“And if you are in a state of major impurity, then purify yourselves.”

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“It is the right of every Muslim to take a bath once every seven days, washing his head and his body.”

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2.3 Personal Hygiene

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Five practices are part of the natural disposition (fitrah): circumcision, shaving the pubic hair, plucking the armpit hair, trimming the nails, and trimming the moustache.”

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2.4 Brushing the Teeth

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Had I not feared hardship for my community, I would have commanded them to use the tooth-stick (siwak) before every prayer.”

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2.5 Clean Clothing and Appearance

Allah says (Al-Muddaththir 74:4):

“And purify your garments.”

The Prophet ﷺ also said:

“Indeed, Allah is Beautiful and loves beauty.”

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2.6 Cleanliness as Part of Faith

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Cleanliness is half of faith.”

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3. Wisdom Behind the Legislation of Cleanliness

1. In accordance with human nature
   Humans naturally love cleanliness and dislike filth.
2. Preserving dignity and honor
   A clean person is respected and socially accepted.
3. Protecting health and hygiene
   Cleanliness prevents diseases and promotes well-being.
4. Preparing oneself to stand before Allah
   Both physical and spiritual cleanliness are required in worship.

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4. Water Permissible for Purification

Water that may be used for purification includes:

• Rainwater
• Seawater
• Well water
• River water
• Spring water
• Ice and hail

Allah says (Al-Furqan 25:48):

“And We send down from the sky pure water.”

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5. Using Seawater for Purification

A man asked the Prophet ﷺ:

“O Messenger of Allah, we travel by sea and carry only a small amount of fresh water. If we use it for ablution, we will become thirsty. May we perform ablution with seawater?”

The Prophet ﷺ replied:

“Its water is pure, and its dead animals are lawful.”

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Summary

• Cleanliness is a foundation of worship in Islam
• It is a religious command, a moral value, and a means of protecting health
• Cleanliness is an essential part of faith (iman)