Understanding Taharah: Physical & Spiritual Purity in Islam

Did you know that taharah, or the state of ritual purity in Islam, not only cleanses the body but also purifies the soul? This essential aspect of Islamic practice is a source of both physical and spiritual purification for millions. Understanding and perfecting the rituals of taharah can profoundly deepen your connection to Islam.

In this blog post, we will explore the significance of taharah, its various categories, and the Quranic sources to achieve it i.e. through ablution, ritual bath, or dry ablution. Join us on this enlightening journey to enhance your spiritual path and everyday life.

What is Taharah?

Taharah Meaning: Taharah (طہارت) is an Arabic term derived from the root word طَهُرَ which means to purify or cleanse. In a general sense, it signifies purity and cleanliness in Islam. In Islamic jurisprudence, purification refers to achieving cleanliness from physical impurity (najasa) and ritual impurity (hadas). When the second revelation was sent to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), among the many directives given for fulfilling the heavy responsibilities of prophethood, one instruction was:

“And keep your clothing clean.” [Al-Muddathir: 4]

In a broader Shariah context, Taharah meaning is to abstain from prohibited actions, keep oneself free from sins, and adorn oneself with the commands of Allah. In this way, the term “purification” is also applied in a Shariah context to mean purification from spiritual filth (رجس), which includes disbelief, shirk (associating partners with Allah), and disobedience. For example, Allah says:

“Allah only wishes to remove the impurity from you, O people of the House of the Prophet, and to purify you with a thorough purification.” [Al-Ahzab: 33]

Significance of Taharah

The importance of purification in Islam is so great that it is beloved and favored by Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) described purification as half of faith. In Sahih Muslim, it is narrated by Abu Malik Al-Ash’ari (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:

“Purification is half of faith.” [Sahih Muslim, Hadith 223]

What does it mean that purification is half of faith? The commentators of Hadith explain that faith (Iman) expiates sins; it forgives both minor and major sins. Similarly, purification also expiates sins, but it only forgives minor sins. Therefore, purification is considered half of faith in this regard.

Types of Taharah in Islam

There are two types of taharah (Purity). Spiritual and Physical. Scholars of theology (mutakallimun) discuss the former, while jurists (fuqaha) address the latter.

1. Inner Purity / Spiritual Purity
2. Outer Purity / Physical Purity

1. Inner Purity / Spiritual Purity:

This refers to keeping the soul free from shirk (associating partners with Allah), bidah (innovation in Islam), superstitions, sins, and disobedience to Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him). It is known as spiritual purity. This purity is attained through the practice of Tasawwuf and sincere repentance where this concept is known as self-purification.

Within spiritual purification, there are two subcategories i.e. major spiritual purification involves cleansing the heart from shirk (associating partners with Allah) and minor spiritual purification involves purifying the heart from moral vices such as malice, envy, hypocrisy, arrogance, and the love of worldly status and wealth.

2. Outer Purity / Physical Purity:

This involves keeping the body or clothes clean from filth and all forms of impurities. It is also known as physical purity. This type of purity is achieved through the use of water (ablution and bathing) and cleaning with mud (tayammum). Physical impurity is the type of impurity from which Shariah has commanded purification, and it has two categories:

For physical purification (external cleanliness), there are also two categories:

i. Najasah-Based Purification

This involves removing filth (khabbath) to achieve cleanliness. Jurists address the rules for purifying objects, body or clothes from najas impurity. There are many types of things that Shariah declared as Najas:

• Blood, urine, feces, semen, menstrual and post-natal blood of human
• The urine, feces, and saliva of animals are prohibited from eating.
• Blood of all animals
• Meat and untanned skin of dead animals
• Pork and intoxicant drinks

There are various methods to remove impurities, but washing with water is the primary method. When all traces of filth, including odor and color, have been completely removed by washing with water, the clothes are considered clean, and no additional cleaning is required.

ii. Hadath-Based Purification

This involves removing ritual impurities (hadath) to attain purity. Jurists discuss the different methods of purity from hadath-based impurities like ablution (wudu), a full ritual bath (ghusl), and tayammum (dry ablution) It has two categories:

• Minor Impurity (Hadath Asghar)This refers to situations that require ablution (wudu). For example, passing wind, urination, defecation, and other acts that break the wudu.
• Major Impurity (Hadath Akbar)This refers to situations that necessitate a full ritual bath (ghusl). For example, the discharge of semen, sexual intercourse with spouse, menstruation, and post-natal

Sources for Purification

There are two sources for purification in Islam:

Pure Water

 

Water is the primary source for achieving purification. It is used in both wudu and ghusl to cleanse the body of impurities, making it an essential element in the practice of cleanliness. The Quran and Hadith guide the proper methods of using water for purification, ensuring that Muslims can maintain cleanliness in their daily lives. Allah say in Quran:

Allah Almighty says, “And He sends down upon you from the sky, rain by which to purify you…” [Al-Anfal: 11]

Pure Mud

In situations where water is unavailable, Islam permits the use of “tayammum,” a dry ablution using clean earth or mud. Tayammum is a practical and compassionate solution that allows Muslims to perform their religious duties even in challenging circumstances. It highlights the flexibility and adaptability of Islamic teachings. Allah says:

“And if you do not find water, then seek clean mud and perform tayammum with it…” [Al-Ma’idah: 6]

Conclusion

The practice of Taharah is a testament to Islam’s emphasis on cleanliness and purification as integral aspects of faith. By understanding and implementing the different types of Taharah, Muslims can enhance their spiritual and physical well-being, fostering a deeper connection with Allah. Regular practice of Taharah not only fulfills a religious obligation but also promotes a lifestyle of mindfulness, discipline, and respect for oneself and others. It encourages Muslims to strive for inner and outer purity, ultimately leading to a more harmonious and fulfilling life.

For those seeking to explore purification further, engaging with us, attending our online Quran classes and seeking guidance from our experts. By committing to the practice of Taharah, Muslims can embody the teachings of Islam and lead lives that reflect the beauty and purity of their faith.