To be clean is amongst the habits of the prophets

Although it is very important to remain clean and in a state of purity (Taharat), this note is to emphasise a different aspect of cleanliness.

We should think about cleanliness, not as something which we do or do not do, but as part of us. Cleanliness should be in all our actions, thoughts and deeds.

We should not only keep our selves physically clean, but also keep our thoughts and actions clean.

Our soul is like pure water, and that which holds it (our body), is like a vase. Whatever we see through our eyes enters the water of our soul. If we look at bad things, then we are polluting (making dirty) the water and so our soul becomes dirty. When this happens, we start wanting (desiring) to see and do things which will cause us even more harm, until the water of our soul will become so murky that we will suffocate and drown ourselves in its filth.

We have to keep our soul uncontaminated by only allowing those things which are virtuous to enter it.

One of the ways we can do this is by remaining in a state of Taharat. Being in wudhu, or performing regular ghusl on Friday and other recommended days, we will keep our mind thinking about Allah, and this will act as a shield, guarding us against Shaitan and the evil thoughts which he so craftily plants into our heart.

The Prophet (S) said
"There will come a time when people will have unclean inner selves, but beautiful appearances; they will have greed for the worldly affairs and they will not wish for that which is with Allah. Their religion will be for show. Then they would pray like a drowning one, and Allah will not answer their prayer."

Even simple acts such as performing wudhu before sleeping are highly recommended. If this is done, the whole night is counted as if you were performing prayers.

Other actions of cleanliness are external. We have always been taught to keep our bodies and our clothes clean, but we should also take a part in keeping our houses, and the surrounding areas clean. One of the signs of a Muslim is that when he uses something, he leaves it in a cleaner condition then it was before.

This means that we should set an example to the non-Muslims, and keep the streets free from litter, keep our houses tidy. If we do this, no one will be able to point at us and blame us. On the contrary we would give Islam the reputation it deserves.