Not long ago, I happened to offer  Maghreb prayers at the gold market mosque in Thuqbah which is near Al-Khobar. I joined the congregation in the third row, and after a few seconds other two persons joined with me in my row, one on my right and the other on my left. Almost immediately I noticed a severe bad smell coming from their socks and shirts, and throughout their prayers they were very careless, yawning loudly and picking at their noses. Somehow, I managed to offer my  prayer with them and left the row immediately once the imam had concluded the prayer. 



This made me wonder why some people do not seem to understand the importance of cleanliness, especially at the time of offering prayers, and because of their unhealthy attitude, they tend to disturb others offering their prayers. It is very difficult to concentrate on your prayers with such people next to you.



 Islam stresses cleanliness, especially when a person intends to offer prayers which is the most important and fundamental pillar of Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) fixed cleanliness and purity of body, cleanliness of dress and cleanliness of the place of worship as basic conditions. That is why it is commanded that one perform ablution before praying. There is also encouragement to use a toothbrush or miswak during every ablution, so the mouth may be clean and odorless.



 All these commands create a consciousness in every Muslim of the importance of cleanliness and purity which help to elevate the body and soul. In Islam, cleanliness and purity are preconditions for all forms of worship. Purity of soul and cleanliness of the body and dress are inseparable.



Accordingly Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) set the standard for cleanliness and purity for his followers. A companion with disheveled hair once approached the Prophet (pbuh) who directed him to arrange his hair. Seeing another companion with dirty and worn out clothes, the Prophet (pbuh) asked: “Have  you no money?”  The companion replied: “I have plenty of camels, horses, and sheep.” Then Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: “Then your standard of living should manifest the bounties of Allah.”



I urge all Muslim brothers to practice the concept of cleanliness, especially at the time of prayers so that there may be a healthy  and clean atmosphere in the mosque.

Anees Lokhande

Al-Khobar