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Introduction to Taharat
Taharah literally means purity and cleanliness. It also refers to spiritual purification from spiritual filth. According to Islamic law it is the removal of impurities or an impure state with permissible resources. According to the evidences in the Qur’aan, Sunnah and Ijmaa’ (consensus of our scholars), it is considered an obligation.
Spiritual Taharah
Spiritual taharah means the removal of shirk, kufr, nifaq, major and minor sins.
Importance of Purity in Islam
Purity, known as "Taharat" in Islam, holds significant importance in both physical and spiritual aspects of a Muslim's life. It is a fundamental concept that encompasses cleanliness of the body, mind, heart, and soul, and is essential for performing various acts of worship. Here’s why purity is so important in Islam:
Prerequisite for Worship
Condition for Salah (Prayer): Purity is a prerequisite for offering Salah, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. A Muslim must be in a state of physical cleanliness, attained through Wudu (ablution) or Ghusl (full-body purification), before performing Salah.
Reading the Quran: Physical purity is also required when handling and reciting the Quran. Muslims believe that the Quran is the holy and divine word of Allah, and it should be approached with reverence and cleanliness.
Spiritual Significance
Inner Purity: Islam emphasizes not only physical cleanliness but also the purity of the heart and mind. Inner purity involves sincerity, humility, and avoiding sinful behavior. It is believed that spiritual purity brings one closer to Allah.
Avoiding Sin: Maintaining a pure heart helps in staying away from actions that lead to sin. A person who is spiritually pure is more likely to engage in righteous deeds and seek forgiveness for their shortcomings.
Physical Cleanliness
Hygiene and Health: Islam places a strong emphasis on personal hygiene. Practices like regular Wudu, Ghusl, and cleaning oneself after using the toilet (Istinja) promote overall health and well-being.
Clean Environment: Keeping one’s surroundings clean, including clothes and the place of worship, is an important aspect of maintaining Taharat. Islam encourages Muslims to contribute to a clean and healthy environment.
Moral and Social Implications
Respect for Others: Being clean and pure in one’s appearance and actions reflects respect for oneself and others. It fosters a sense of dignity and encourages positive social interactions.
Community Welfare: A clean and pure community is a healthy and harmonious one. By emphasizing purity, Islam promotes a community where people are mindful of their actions and the impact they have on others.
Obedience to Allah
Following Divine Commands: Purity is a command from Allah, and maintaining it is an act of obedience. It reflects a Muslim’s commitment to living according to the teachings of Islam.
Seeking Allah’s Pleasure: By staying pure, both physically and spiritually, Muslims seek to earn the pleasure of Allah and attain success in this life and the hereafter
Symbol of Faith
Identity as a Muslim: Purity is a defining characteristic of a Muslim’s identity. It sets them apart as individuals who prioritize cleanliness and spirituality in all aspects of life.
Reflecting the Prophet’s Example: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of cleanliness and set an example for his followers to maintain purity in their daily lives.
Najasat
In Islamic law najis means ritually unclean. According to Islam, there are two kinds of najis: the essential najis which cannot be cleaned and the unessential najis which become najis in contact with another najis. Najasat means uncleanliness, impurity. In Islamic laws, the najasat is of two types Najasat haqeeqi and Najasat hukmiyah. To differentiate between the two, a thing which is inherently unclean is known “ayan najis” whereas a thing whose uncleanliness is acquired is known as “najis”. A pure thing acquires impurity by coming into contact with one of the “ayan najis”. For example: blood is considered an ayn najis, whereas milk is considered pure. Now, if a drop of blood falls into a glass of milk, the milk will become najis because of the blood which is an ayn najis. The plural of ayn najis is “ayan najisah” Taharat is the opposite of Najasat it means cleanliness and purity. Tahir is the opposite of najis it means a thing which is clean and pure.
Types of Najasat : Najasat is of two types.
1) Haqeeqi (which can be seen).
2) Hukmi (which cannot be seen e.g. breaking of wudhu or a need of bath?)
Najasat Haqeeqi
Uncleanliness or filth that can be seen e.g. urine, stool, blood and wine.
Najasat Ghaliza
Dense (heavy) types of Najasat e.g. urine and stool of human beings.
Najasat Khafifa
Uncleanliness or filth that can be seen e.g. urine, stool, blood and wine.
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