The Necessity of Cleanliness
Cleanliness is the habit of keeping oneself and one’s surroundings clean. It is a noble quality and a great virtue. If we want to maintain good health, we must practice cleanliness in all aspects of life. Every religion emphasizes the importance of cleanliness. In fact, it is considered one of the four pillars of Islam. Our Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) placed great importance on cleanliness, declaring it a part of faith. In Islam, a person is not allowed to perform religious rites if he is not clean in both body and mind. The well-known saying, "Cleanliness is next to Godliness," also highlights its significance in our lives. Cleanliness makes everything look fresh, cheerful, and pleasant.
The simple act of washing hands before meals reflects the practice of cleanliness. On the other hand, unclean surroundings, dirty houses, kitchens, clothes, and bedding create an unhealthy environment. Even in everyday life, a person with a dirty appearance and untidy clothes is disliked by others. Dirtiness often leads to diseases, as it allows harmful germs to spread easily. Therefore, to stay healthy and free from disease, we must follow the rules of cleanliness.
We should bathe daily, wear clean clothes, and keep our homes and surroundings neat and tidy. Garbage should not be allowed to accumulate near our houses, and drains should be cleaned regularly. Developing the habit of cleanliness is not difficult. What we need most is awareness, discipline, and the willingness to stay clean. Cleanliness costs us nothing—but brings us everything in return: health, respect, peace, and happiness.
