Cleanliness in Islam: Exploring Through Covid-19 Pandemic Precautions and Concerns

Cleanliness in Islam: Exploring through Covid-19 pandemic precautions and concerns, 2020
Cleanliness in Islam:
Exploring through Covid-19 pandemic precautions and

concerns
Sabbir Ahmad Sibli
Email: sibli444@gmail.com
September 01, 2020.
This preprint research paper has not been peer reviewed. Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3688410
Abstract:
Not pandemic but Covid- 19 Corona Virus is a novel challenge to the world. Because many
communicable disease like cholera, plague, influenza have already threatened human life at
various times. Experts say that different types of natural disaster takes place over a century or over
a couple of centuries or even more than these on earth with the course of time. Which caused
massive disaster and damage to human life. Lately, it has noticed that this time the world is
fighting against Covid- 19 Corona Virus. The Virus is originated from Uhan, Chaina, later on it
has spread almost throughout the world. So far, it has affected by estimated 24 million and one
million caused to death. As it is detected as a communicable disease, this Virus could be
transmitted through physical contact, and the main virulent components are the hands, mouth,
nose, respiratory tract, etc. As a result, after the hitting of Covid 19, the World Health Organisation
(WHO) and other Health agencies have repeatedly issued some guidelines for people. These
include frequent hands washing with soap, use of masks when going out of the house and
maintaining physical distance. It is worth mentioning here that Islam has a long tradition of
physical cleanliness and mental purity. Islam also has some specific guidelines for dealing with
emerging situations and crises. Therefore, author will try to analyze the need for cleanliness in the
prevention of the virus, the guidelines displayed by the health organizations, the current
circumspection and the do's and don'ts below from the Islamic point of view.
Keyword: Covid- 19 Corona Virus, cleanliness, qur'an, hadith, guidelines, coherence, status,
snapbacks.
Importance of Cleanliness in Islam:
It is very clear and evident that Islam sets out five basic forms of religious practice with its
worshippers. Cleanliness is the prerequisite to continue to any of these basic forms. According to
Muhaddiths (Hadith specialist) and Fuqaha (Islamic Jurisprudent), Cleanliness is divided into two
primary forms; such as Physical Cleanliness and Spiritual Cleanliness. For instance; when anyone
vocalizes Kalimah –( acknowledge the oneness of Allah) the accuracy of mind will be considered
as Spiritual Cleanliness. When anyone intends to say prayer (salat), then practicing ablution is
Physical Cleanliness. From all aspects of religious clarification, Cleanliness is must before prayer.
A study shows that to highlight the importance of Cleanliness Muhaddith Khatib Tabrezi picked
the chapter of Cleanliness after Faith (Iman) and before Prayer (Salat) in his famous book Mishkat
al- Masabih ( an extended version of "Masbihuss Sunnah" by Allamah Bagabi, a well-known
Hadith book, most of the hadith collected from Sihah Sittah).
Other Muhaddiths said it is only because of importance of Cleanliness. In this regard, Khatib
Tabrezi reported a well- verified verse of Hadith, narrated by Abu Malik Ash'ari-
“Cleanliness is half of faith" (Sahih al- Muslim).
If Cleanliness compares to a cycle, practically it will cover all basic forms of Islam. For instance,
Faith (Iman), Prayer (Salat), Alms (Zakat), Fasting (Ramadan), Pilgrim (Hajj) are the basic forms
of Islam. When anyone verbalizes Kalimah, the purity of soul needed. Purity of soul leads to prayer
at least five times in a day and prayer will not be granted except having ablution or bathing. Annual
fasting and pilgrims cover both physical and spiritual Cleanliness. Lastly, annual Alms increases
the purity of wealth. In this respect, a well- verified quotation from Hadith -
"Prayer (Salat) is key to heaven (Jannah) and
Cleanliness (Taharah) key to Prayer (Salat).
(Musnad- e Ahmad)
Actually ablution is one of the best components of Cleanliness. It is considered as half bathing.
On this occasion, to establish prayer, an effective ablution is obligatory following the order of
Sunnah. On this point, there is an instructive verse from holy Qur'an- “Oh believers! When you
come to prayer wash your faces, wash your hands up to elbow, wipe over your head and wash your
legs up to ankle. (Ma'idah- 6)
There is a variety of encouraged prayer along with five - time mandatory prayer in Islam. Every
time ablution is mandatory. If anyone had it before, this is exception but Prophet Muhammad
(SM.) encouraged to have it before every new prayer.
Ablution is not only a physical practice, it includes a bunch of spiritual values along with the
discharge of dirt and grime. For instance; when anyone practices ablution a devine mercy and
kindness covers performer and it will gain radiance on face of performer on the Day of Judgment.
Besides Islamic interpretations many hygiene experts say that five time or more ablution in a single
day makes Muslims neat and clean. No longer has dirt existed in Muslim's body after an effective
ablution. Furthermore, Islam pointed bathing as a valuable element of Cleanliness instead of
ablutions, as everyone knows that it covers washing of whole body. In this regard, there is a
significant verse from Qur'an -
"And if you are in a state of janabah (filthyness) then purify (take bath) yourselves" (Ma'idah- 6).
In addition to this there are four recommended bathing from a well- verified Hadith that is narrated
by Hazrat Ayesha (RA.)-
1. To get discharge from impurity (Nazasat).
2. On the day of Friday (Jumuah).
3. After extracting poisonous blood from body (Hijamah).
4. After bathing dead bodies (Maiyyat)
- (Abu Daud).
Moreover, there are ten habitual Sunnah ( what Prophet (PBUH) used to do and instructed his
companions to do) these cover all aspects of Cleanliness-
1. Cut the mustache
2. Grow a beard
3. Rinse nose with water
4. Wash the knuckles of the fingers
5. Armpit cut
6. Discard unwanted hair
7. Defecation with water
8. Porter
9. Clip nails
10. Brush teeth.
Here Cleanliness has described in the light of Islam from different point of views, actually it covers
a wide range of clarification. Finally a significant verse from Holy Qur'an towards the owner of
Cleanliness -
“Indeed, Allah loves those who repent; and he loves those who purify themselves". ( Baqarah-
222).
Analysis of Covid- 19 Corona Virus Pandemic from Islamic point of view:
Pandemic:
As earlier mentioned, Pandemic has a long history of fatality. Outbreaks such as Plague, Cholera,
and Influenza had brought huge disappointment to human life as well animal’s life at various times.
This time the world have been witnessing the severity of Corona Virus pandemic. People infected
with the virus have detected a variety of symptoms. Acute fever and headache, sore throats,
shortness of breath leads many to death.
However, the first recorded pandemic was the plage of Justinian. That held during Byzantium
Empire and just 3 decades before the appearance of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Later on another Pandemic took place in Persian region during 627- 28 while Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH) had living in Madinah.
After that another outbreak of Plague reappeared in Syria in 639 AD. during the reign of Omar al-
Khattab (2nd Caliphate of Islam)
According to Muslim Arab historians the pandemic was called the Plague of Sheroe.
Washing Hand:
According to hygiene experts, Coronavirus is a communicable disease that has spread to many
parts of the world. The World Health Organization and other health consultants are concerned
about hand hygiene. They are advising people to stay clean by washing their hands repeatedly.
Washing should be done for at least 20 seconds each time with soap and antiseptic. So that the
germs do not spread among others through the hands. As well as advised to refrain from unwanted
use of hands.
However, Islam also attaches great importance to the cleanliness of human hands. Because every
time ablution starts with washing hands and that extends up to the elbows.
Muhammad (PBUH) also advised to wash hands in a good way before and after every meal and
after finishing defecation.
Moreover Muhammad (PBUH) was accustomed to taking food with his right hand and performing
defecation and other risky tasks with his left hand. So that the germs of the left hand cannot enter
the body and cause a terrible disease.
Above all, he was keen on staying clean.
Wearing face mask:
Since the outbreak of the corona virus, the World Health Organization, UNICEF and the
government have been urging people to wear masks. Health researchers say the corona virus can
be spread through coughing and sneezing. The virus is also widely associated with human
respiration. It is also important to use of masks as the virus can fly through the air and enter through
the nose and mouth with inhalation.
However, Muhammad (PBUH) instructed that when a person has a hiccup, he should cover his
face with the sleeve of shirt or the corner of sheet.
He further instructed that when someone drinks water, he should not breathe in the container of
water. This is because polluted air releases with breath, which contaminates the vessel and that is
harmful to health.
Physical or social distance:
Since the virus attack, health agencies and experts have been urging people not to travel to crowded
places as part of their physical and distance activities. Because it can spread from a infected person
with contact to a healthy person.
In such a situation, in early march 2020, the Muslims were interrupted to go to the mosque.
Considering the situation, Islamic scholars and Islamic organizations around the world recommend
sitting at home and praying alone instead of going to the mosque. The Haramain Administrative
Council ( The Council of the world's most important mosque in Mecca and Medina) has been
allowed only staff and a limited number of visitors to perform worship here since March 2020.
Umrah and annual pilgrims (Hajj 2020) also performed in a limited form.
In the time of Muhammad (PBUH), once heavy rains prevented him from going to the mosque, he
instructed the muazzin ( One who calls muslims to prayer) to announce to pray at home. Its
practical application was seen in a few Arab countries in early March, when the corona virus was
rampant. The muazzin's announcement was such that instead of using the word "come to the
mosque", he announced to perform the prayer in everyone's own resident and at this time many
muazzins could be heard crying emotionally.
However, from the above discussion it is understood that in the changed circumstances the
realization of the prayer itself at home is permissible. Because according to the teachings of Islamic
Sharia, it is better not to go to wherever having potential risks.
The Prophet (PBUH) also disliked going to the mosque after eating something with a high scent
like onion-garlic. This means that it is better not to go to the mosque with something that harms
other worshipers.
He added:
“Don’t place a sick patient with a healthy one", and the teaching was extended to animals as well-
“The cattle suffering from a disease should not be mixed with healthy cattle."
( Sahih al- Bukhari).
Quarantine or Lockdown:
When a person is infected with a contagious disease and is taken into solitary confinement for a
certain period of time, it is considered as quarantine. And lockdown is like quarantine. Which is
adopted to protect large areas from infection. However, instructions for this quarantine or
lockdown can also be found in the hadith indicated by Muhammad (PBUH) 15 hundred years ago-
“If you hear of an outbreak of plague in a land, do not enter it, and if the plague breaks in a place
while you are in it, do not leave the place".
(Sahih al- Bukhari)
Also, the successful application of lockdown was seen during the reign of Omar (RA). When a
terrible plague broke out in Syria during a Muslim military campaign in 639 AD, Omar sent
instructions to the entire battalion to stay in a safe tent. So that they are not attacked and do not
infect others by leaving space.
Moreover, in this plague estimated 25,000 Muslims died, including companion of Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH).
Human behavior:
News of inhumane treatment to sick patients has been seen on social media in various places since
the advent of corona. Hospital authorities, neighbors and even family members have claimed for
such incidents. Which is unacceptable from the Islamic ideology and humanitarian point of view.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) always urged to treat the loved ones, neighbors, relatives, the
helpless, the orphans and the travelers well. He himself used to go to his house to find out if anyone
was ill. Although it is physically risky to visit at this time, communication can be maintained
through social media.
In all cases, Islam attaches great importance to human behavior. Because once during the reign of
Hazrat Omar (RA) when a group of Christians was infected with leprosy, he instructed them to
provide medical services, even after that group became Christians.
There are also examples of humane treatment of prisoners of war and the distribution of medical
services among the sick.
Present circumspection and recovery issues:
Since the beginning of this year 2020, the world has been witnessing the horrors of the Corona
Virus. Despite many fears, a glimmer of hope has dawned on many parts of the world. And the
curve is going down day by day.
On August 24, Al Jazeera reported from World Health Organisation, 172 nations engaging with
vaccine plan and many other on developments. Lately, China, Russia, Oxford University has
announced their success in vaccine test.
On the other hand, here is the analyzed data on a five- day moving average from John Hopkins
University Corona Virus Resource Centre updates of ten most affected countries. New cases going
up in India, Argentina, Peru and going down in United States, Mexico, Russia, Brazil, Colombia,
South Africa, Iran (late August 2020).
Cumulative infected cases about 24 million and total death results about one million among 188
countries so far (late August 2020).
Furthermore, United States, Brazil and India are three most affected and death resulted country.
United States is on the top of the chart so far. In addition to this, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Iraq,
Saudi Arabia are on the top of the chart in regard of Muslim world.
After all, the outbreak is not over yet. On August 22, Chief of World Health Organisation hoped
that this virus is going over within two years.
So, people must continue the general precautions such as wearing mask in public places, less
roaming around rather than any emergency, washing hands frequently, taking shower regularly
and so on.
And also Muslim have to continue the general precautions that lauded by health organisation along
with their conventional cleaning manners, such as taking ablution at least five times in a single
day, prayer regularly, doing meditation, recite holy books etc. In fact, the virus is constantly
changing its form. People have also undergone behavioral changes and are trying to adapt to hostile
environments. According to the World Health Organization, it will take two years for the virus to
end.
So people can't stay at home or in the hospital all year round. Because it can greatly damage the
socio-economic system and human health. This has already happened. Many people have lost their
jobs, some have closed their businesses, and many have been unable to get enough food. So in any
situation people have to try to survive by meeting the basic needs.
At the same time, public places in different parts of the world have been gradually opening up to
a limited number of people with applying conditions. Such as- travel ground, playground, mill-
factory, etc. However, large-scale movement has not opened yet, such as the movement from one
country to another or to educational institutions or to religious congregation.
However, behind all these, obedience to health rules is being given the highest priority. Wearing
masks outside the house, using gloves on the hands, not moving around unnecessarily and
maintaining physical distance are still being asked to be complied with again and again.
And Muslims have faced challenges in many areas, not just socio-economic, but religious beliefs.
However, considering the world situation, Muslims have to keep pace with the world. In addition,
their normal prayers and supplications can be extended so that inner and physical peace can be
felt. The more that can be done, the more meditation (Murakaba, Mashahada), physical exercise,
reading the holy scriptures, more and more repentance to Allah for sins and seeking liberation for
any kind of physical illness.
There is a very significant prayer in this regard from the hadith. This prayer can be heard more and
more after the prayer in Haramain Sharif after the Corona virus attack-
"O Allah! I seek refuge in You from leprosy, insanity, and all evil"
(Abu Daud).
Furthermore, Muslims can do is eat fruits like honey, black cumin, dates (especially Azwa that is
planted by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and its efficacy is proved by Hadith), tin, olives, etc.
daily. Which can act as an antidote to various complex diseases including poisoning. The
medicinal properties and efficacy of these fruits are recognized by Quran, Hadith and Hekimi,
Ayurveda moreover by medical research.
Conclusion:
Although one of the basic tenets of Islam is that only God (Allah) knows what will happen in the
future, it is safe to say that the Corona virus is not the last disaster. In addition, researchers believe
that there are more different types of harmful viruses in the world that can be transmitted to humans
by animals or in any other way. Even then, mankind has to make an effort to survive and build the
earth comfortable through better natural environment and personal hygiene.
In all respects, this year's corona virus is widely associated with cleanliness. Which is known
through the various warnings of health organizations and voluntary organizations.
In fact, Islam has not only insisted on staying clean for a certain period of time, but has always
insisted Muslims on applying it in their real life as part of an ongoing process.
So Muslims have no chance to avoid or neglect the issue of cleanliness. Also the importance of
cleanliness is universal. It has the potential to benefit Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
References:
1. Allamah Khatib Tabrezi, Mishkatul Masabih trans. Mawlana Ahmad Maimun, Vol.1,
Banglabazar, Dhaka, 2006.
2. Allamah Burhanuddin al- Murginani, Hidya, Trans Mawlana Ishaq Faridi, Vol.1, Islamia
kutubkhana, Dhaka.
3. Aizaz Khan: Prophet Muhammad teaching regarding pandemic, Al Hakam, link-
https://www.alhakam.org
4. Dr. Abdul Rashid Agwan: Probable mention of Covid-19 pandemic in the Quran, Muslim
Mirror, link- muslimmirror.com
5. John hopkins University Covid- 19 resources centre, available at
https://coronavirus.jhu.edu Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resources Centre.
6. Mawlana Abdul Hafiz bin Abdur Rauf, Subject based verses from Quran and Hadith,
Islami tower, Banglabazar, Dhaka, 2011.
7. Mehmet Ozalp: How Coronavirus challenges muslim faith and changes their lives, The
conversation, link- https://theconversation.com
8. Murat sofuglu: What Islam tells us about responding to deadly pandemics, TRTworld, link-
https://www.trtworld.com
9. Qurratul Minhas: Analysis of circumspections of Covid- 19 in the light of Islam, link-
https://papers.ssrn.com
10. UNICEF: Cleanliness in Islam, link- https://www.unicef.org

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Cleanliness in Islam: Exploring through Covid-19 pandemic precautions and concerns, 2020

Exploring through Covid-19 pandemic precautions and

September 01, 2020.

million caused to death. As it is detected as a communicable disease, this Virus could be

Importance of Cleanliness in Islam:

al- Masabih ( an extended version of "Masbihuss Sunnah" by Allamah Bagabi, a well-known

Hadith book, most of the hadith collected from Sihah Sittah).

“Cleanliness is half of faith" (Sahih al- Muslim).

"Prayer (Salat) is key to heaven (Jannah) and

Cleanliness (Taharah) key to Prayer (Salat).

legs up to ankle. (Ma'idah- 6)

(SM.) encouraged to have it before every new prayer.

ablution. Furthermore, Islam pointed bathing as a valuable element of Cleanliness instead of

significant verse from Qur'an -

by Hazrat Ayesha (RA.)-

1. To get discharge from impurity (Nazasat).

2. On the day of Friday (Jumuah).

3. After extracting poisonous blood from body (Hijamah).

4. After bathing dead bodies (Maiyyat)

companions to do) these cover all aspects of Cleanliness-

1. Cut the mustache

3. Rinse nose with water

4. Wash the knuckles of the fingers

6. Discard unwanted hair

7. Defecation with water

10. Brush teeth.

Analysis of Covid- 19 Corona Virus Pandemic from Islamic point of view:

shortness of breath leads many to death.

(PBUH) had living in Madinah.

Khattab (2nd Caliphate of Islam)

after finishing defecation.

the body and cause a terrible disease.

Above all, he was keen on staying clean.

Wearing face mask:

the nose and mouth with inhalation.

face with the sleeve of shirt or the corner of sheet.

Physical or social distance:

with contact to a healthy person.

muazzins could be heard crying emotionally.

Sharia, it is better not to go to wherever having potential risks.

( Sahih al- Bukhari).

while you are in it, do not leave the place".

(Sahih al- Bukhari)

infect others by leaving space.

through social media.

provide medical services, even after that group became Christians.

services among the sick.

Present circumspection and recovery issues:

curve is going down day by day.

announced their success in vaccine test.

South Africa, Iran (late August 2020).

countries so far (late August 2020).

that this virus is going over within two years.

situation people have to try to survive by meeting the basic needs.

country to another or to educational institutions or to religious congregation.

any kind of physical illness.

Ayurveda moreover by medical research.

earth comfortable through better natural environment and personal hygiene.

through the various warnings of health organizations and voluntary organizations.

insisted Muslims on applying it in their real life as part of an ongoing process.

Banglabazar, Dhaka, 2006.

3. Aizaz Khan: Prophet Muhammad teaching regarding pandemic, Al Hakam, link-