The Prophet ﷺ said:

تنظفوا بکل ما استطعتم، فإن اللّٰہ تعالٰی بنی الإسلام علی النظافۃ ، ولن یدخل الجنۃ إلا کلُ نظیف۔
“Clean yourselves as much as you are able, for Allah the Exalted has built Islam upon cleanliness, and none will enter Paradise except one who is clean.” (Kanz al-‘Ummal - 8465)

Cleanliness is half of faith. Islam places great emphasis on both outward and inward purity, making cleanliness an essential part of faith, worship, and everyday life.

A believer is required to maintain cleanliness of the body, clothing, home, and surroundings. Along with physical cleanliness, Islam strongly emphasizes inner purity. One must strive to cleanse the heart from spiritual impurities such as hatred, malice, jealousy, pride, and arrogance. Before going to sleep, a believer should reflect, forgive others, and remove resentment from the heart so that the day ends with inner peace.

Purity is especially important before acts of worship. Before prayer, recitation of the Qur’an, and other forms of worship, proper purification should be observed. 

Oral hygiene also deserves special attention. Teeth should be kept clean, and the Sunnah of using the miswak along with wudu should be practiced. If it is not possible before every prayer, one should at least clean the teeth in the morning after waking up and at night before sleeping.

Miswak is a natural and effective means of oral care. Made from beneficial plants with antiseptic properties, it protects the mouth from germs, removes bad breath, and strengthens oral health. When used with the intention of following the Sunnah, it becomes an act of worship and a means of great reward.

Islam also encourages personal grooming with simplicity and moderation. Wearing clean clothes is part of outward purity, and the Noble Prophet ﷺ loved wearing white garments. Care should be taken to avoid body odor by maintaining personal hygiene, bathing regularly, and performing ghusl. Bathing on Fridays is a confirmed Sunnah.

Socks and footwear should be kept clean, especially when attending the mosque or gatherings. Using fragrance is also a Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ. One should use pleasant, high-quality perfume, while avoiding artificial fragrances that may be harmful or cause discomfort to others. Bad breath should be eliminated, particularly before going to the mosque.

Bathroom cleanliness and etiquette are also part of Islamic teachings. The prescribed supplications should be recited when entering and leaving the toilet. Before entering, one should seek Allah’s protection, and upon leaving, one should thank Allah and seek His forgiveness.

Personal hygiene includes trimming nails, grooming hair, and maintaining a neat appearance. Cleanliness of the environment should be regarded as a shared responsibility. Hands should be washed thoroughly before and after eating, and streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces should be kept clean. Garbage should never be thrown in streets or drains.

Special care should be taken to maintain cleanliness in mosques, madrasahs, and other sacred places. Children should be taught the importance of cleanliness from an early age so that it becomes a lifelong habit.

Islam also teaches proper manners related to cleanliness. The right hand should be used for eating and drinking, while the left hand should be used for personal cleaning. One should avoid picking the nose, especially in front of others. When sneezing, the mouth should be covered, and “Alhamdulillah” should be said afterward. While speaking, care should be taken not to spray saliva, and if food is in the mouth, it should be swallowed before talking.

Hair should not be left untidy; it should be kept neat by combing or brushing. If one has a beard, it should also be taken care of. Along with the face and body, cleanliness of the hands and feet should be maintained at all times.

Finally, dirt and waste should always be disposed of in proper places, as cleanliness reflects not only personal character but also the beauty and discipline of Islam itself.