Types of Cleanliness in Islam
An interactive guide to understanding the fundamental concepts of ritual purity and impurities (Najasah) in Islamic practice.
Cleanliness in Islam
Cleanliness in Islam is of two types, each essential for a Muslim's worship and daily life:
- Cleanliness from Najasah (impurities)
- Cleanliness from Hadas (ritual impurity)
What is Najasah?
In general, Najasah refers to all impure and unpleasant things. In Islamic terminology, Najasah refers to substances that render the prayer invalid, such as blood, feces, and urine, if they are present on the body, clothes, or place of prayer.
Categorization of Najasah
Najasah can be broadly categorized into two types based on their visibility:
Visible Najasah
This type of impurity is easily detectable by the human eye. It often has a distinct color, smell, or texture.
- Feces
- Urine
- Blood
- Pus
- Vomit
- Dog saliva
- Pig flesh
Invisible Najasah
This type of impurity is not easily detectable by the human eye. It might have been present but has dried or left no visible trace.
- Dried urine on a garment where no visible residue remains.
This classification helps in understanding the nature of different types of impurities and their potential impact on ritual purity in Islam.
Methods of Purifying Najasah
When it comes to the methods of purifying Najasah, it can be categorized into three main types, each with specific requirements:
Al-Mu'allafa (Severe Impurity)
This is the most severe type of Najasah. It requires rigorous cleaning, often involving multiple washes and the use of soil.
Examples:
- Impurities from dogs 🐕 and pigs 🐖.
Purification Method:
As per the Prophet's (peace be upon him) guidance, a vessel touched by a dog must be washed seven times, with one of those washes including the use of soil.
Al-Muhabbaba (Mild Impurity)
This is a very mild type of impurity. It primarily applies to the urine of young children who are exclusively breastfed.
Example:
- Urine of a child below the age of two who is only breastfed.
Purification Method:
Washing with water is usually sufficient for this type of impurity. Umm Kais (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that when a child urinated on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) garment, he simply sprinkled water over it and did not wash it thoroughly.
Al-Mutawassitha (Moderate Impurity)
This category includes all other types of Najasah that do not fall under the first two categories.
Examples:
- Urine and feces of other animals.
- Blood (except for the permitted types of blood like spleen and liver).
- Alcoholic beverages (though also severe in prohibition, its physical impurity is moderate for cleaning purposes).
- Dead animals (carrion), with specific exceptions (human, fish, locusts).
- Parts separated from a living animal (except hair/feathers of edible animals).
- Milk of animals not eaten (e.g., donkey milk).
Purification Method:
Generally, water and soap are used to purify this type of Najasah. The impurity must be removed completely (color, taste, and smell). In some cases, soil and other materials may also be used if the impurity is stubborn.
Important Notes:
- This classification provides a general guideline. The purification methods may vary depending on the specific type and severity of the impurity.
- It is crucial to follow the guidance of Islamic scholars regarding the purification of Najasah.
- Maintaining complete purity from Najasah is an obligation for every Muslim.
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