|
Muslims believe that all of humankind is born innately
knowing that God is One. It is a natural state of being where one
instinctively knows that there is a Creator and our natural way of life is to
worship Him and please Him. The Arabic word for this state of being is fitrah
and linguistically it means causing a thing to exist for the first time, in its
most pure and natural condition. Prophet Muhammad said that every child was
born in a state of fitrah, with the correct understanding of God.
The respected Islamic scholar and historian At-Tabari
described fitrah as the way, or religion of God. The religion of Islam is a
holistic way of life. It encompasses emotional, physical, and spiritual well
being and takes into account the natural needs of humankind. When we mention
the fitrah in relation to personal hygiene, we mean things done to improve overall
health and well-being. Some actions are according to the natural way – the way
that is pleasing to God and beneficial to humankind.
The traditions of Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and
blessings of God be upon him, include advice about actions that are part of a
natural way to maintain personal hygiene. He said that, “Five things are
part of the fitrah: shaving the pubic hair, circumcision, trimming the
moustache, plucking the armpit hairs, and cutting the nails”. This is believed to
be the ancient way, the natural way, followed by all of the Prophets, and
enjoined on the believers by the laws that they brought. Let us examine
each of the five actions of fitrah in relation to cleanliness and personal
hygiene.
Shaving the pubic hair
It is obligatory that impurities are completely removed
before prayer; therefore, removal of the pubic hair makes it easier to maintain
cleanliness. Although plucking was recommended by Prophet Muhammad, the hair may
be removed by whatever method is safest and easiest for each individual. The
hair that grows around the pubic area is usually very course and thick and
after using the toilet traces of faeces and urine may be trapped between the
hairs or on the skin.
Muslims are encouraged to keep their genital area and
underwear as clean as possible. Prophet Muhammad advised the believers to use
their left hand to clean themselves thoroughly after using the toilet. If we
fail to clean this area properly, our bodies become a breeding ground for
diseases including urinary tract infections. In the days of Prophet Muhammad,
they used stones or dried clay but now days we have the luxury of toilet paper.
However, the use of toilet paper alone is not sufficient. Once all traces of
impurity have been removed with the toilet paper, if possible, water must be
used to give the area a thorough clean. Muslim homes often have water hoses
installed next to the toilet or have water jugs available to facilitate
cleanliness.
Circumcision
The majority of Islamic scholars agree that circumcision
is obligatory for men providing they do not fear that it may harm them. Circumcision
makes it easier to keep the penis clean from traces of urine, dirt, or
impurities and it involves cutting the foreskin covering the glans. It does
not involve flaying the skin or part of the penis, in fact to do so would be
causing deliberate harm and thus be against the teachings of Islam. Female
circumcision is not part of the obligatory rites of Islam.
Trimming the moustache
Prophet Muhammad made it clear to his followers that
they should trim their moustaches but leave their beards. The scholars have
different opinions about whether the moustache should be shaved off completely
however, all agree that it should be trimmed so that the hair does not hang
over the lip or get into the mouth. It is important that the area around the
mouth is kept clean and so it does not emit a bad smell.
Plucking the armpit hairs
Although plucking would be the best way to remove hair
from the armpits, it may not be the most comfortable; therefore, any hair
removal method is permissible. Removing the hair from the armpits makes it easier
to clean an area of the body where sweat and grime collect. Hair, combined
with darkness and moisture is an ideal place for bacteria to grow.
Cutting the nails
Again, the main reason for keeping the nails short is
for cleanliness and hygiene. Dirt, grime, and bacteria can easily be trapped
under the nails and passed on to other people, especially when preparing food
or in a medical environment. Having dirty or long finger and toe nails, is
unhealthy and unhygienic.
In order to be sure that his followers were well groomed
and clean Prophet Muhammad ordered that the hair be removed from the armpits
and pubic area, and that the nails and moustaches be trimmed, at least every
forty days.
Personal hygiene is important in Islam. In order to worship God correctly it
is necessary to strive to be healthy in both mind and body. Physical
cleanliness is important just as spiritual cleanliness is important. Islam has
provided us with clear guidelines. Our purpose is to worship God and we are
asked to assure that all our actions begin with the intention to please God. Pleasing
God is the ultimate goal and God reminds us in Quran that cleanliness is
pleasing to Him.
“Truly, God loves those who turn unto Him in repentance and
loves those who purify themselves.” (Quran 2:222)
|
