Cleanliness Draws God’s Mercy
God says in verse 31 of Surah Al-A’raf: “Children of Adam, take your adornment at every place of prayer.”
In this verse, God tells us to wear our best clothes and best perfumes when we are going to worship Him.
Using perfumes is a part of the Seerah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and Ahl-ul-Bayt (AS). The money the Holy Prophet (PBUH) spent on perfume was more than the amount he spent for food.
Paying attention to keeping one’s appearance clean and neat draws God’s mercy while His mercy is not attracted to a house that is untidy and disorderly.
Once there was a pause to the revelation of the Quran. People asked the Holy Prophet (PBUH) why that was the case and the Prophet (PBUH) said it was no surprise as people failed to trim their nails, use perfumes and keep their appearance clean and neat.
Cleanliness and good appearance have positive mental effects on others and on oneself. One who keeps his appearance clean and neat, is in a better mood than one who doesn’t.
Islam wants the believers’ dignity to be safeguarded but failing to observe cleanliness and having a disheveled appearance cause others to look at one in contempt.
It is important to note that being clean and neat does not negate living a simple life, and it is different from excessively pursuing worldly desires.
