The Purity

Purity (Tahârah) is a beautiful word that is pleasing to the eye, and a quality which everyone wishes to maintain. From an Islamic perspective, purity has a general meaning. Thus it may mean, on one hand, physical cleanliness which is the purity (of the body) from perceptible filth or ritual purification. On the other hand, it may mean spiritual purity which is the purity of the self from vices, sins and abandoning disobediences, and getting used to good deeds and words. This comprehensive meaning of purity is expressed in the words of Prophet Muhammad, (This symbol means “may Allah send His blessing and peace upon him”), as reported by Abu Hurairah, (may Allah be pleased with him):“What do you think if there was a river at the door of one of you in which he bathes five times a day: Does this leave any dirt on him?’ They answered, ‘Nothing is left.’ The Prophet (S) said, ‘That is like the five prayerswith which Allah remove sins.” (Bukhari & Muslim).Ritual purity is a prerequisite to prayer (Şalât); this comprises either ablution (wudu’) for minor impurity or ceremonial bath (ghusl) for major impurity. If a Muslim purifies himself in accordance with Allah’s commandments and the Prophet’s instructions, his prayer will purify him of sins. Islam is the religion of both outward and inward purity. Allah’s Messenger warned those who neglected physical purity which is considered a prerequisite for validity of certain devotions, like prayer, touching or holding the Holy Qur’an, etc.