Environmental Purity and Cleanliness: An Islamic Perspective

Tnrik M. Al-Soliman, Ph. 0., Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5915/19-3-13015 Ab tract This paper will auempt to investigate those rules and principles which have directed the manners of the upkeep and the preserw1tio11 of the environment quali1y and hygiene by Muslims. The Glorious Qur'an, the Prophet's traditions (Sunna), old practices and legislations adopted by Muslims will represent the major sources for such 011 investigation. It 11'as found that the Islamic jurisprudence had recognized the importance of purity, clea11li11ess, and hygiene of the environment and its various elements. It had established rules for the proteciion of "public health" from pollutants long before other cu/lures. This paper illustrates the great de1ail in which those rulings wer p111 as they re/ale to water, earth, foods, drinks, and types of pollmants.

Key Words: Purity, cleanliness, hygiene, enviromnent, warer.

In lhe Islamic ideology, environmental cleanliness and minute deLajls developed by jurists and scholars. is directly tied with the concept of purity. This con­ Such details demonstrate a relatively advanced sense cept is envisioned to encompass cleanliness in addi­ of understanding and appreciation for the behavior tion to many other conditions and stipulations of natural elemenLs and the way they affect human necssary to qualify the human body and the environ­ health and hygiene. ment and its elements to perform predefined tasks. T he concept or purity in the Gloriou Q ur'in The concept of purity is noted for its imporrance in An overall review for the Qur'anic verses il­ Islam when we realize that JurisprudenLs list it as the lustrates Lhe dominance of the terms "Pure" and first chapter in Lheir books, only to be followed by "Purity" when referring to the meanings of clean chapters on prayers, almsgiving, fasting, and and cleanliness, respectively. Those terms were pilgrimage.'• 2 localed in 31 locations, encompassing 19 derivations, Also purity has its comprehensive meaning which in 17 chapters in Lhe Qur'an. The term clean (NadhTf covers tangible and intangible interpretations. 1 The in Arabic) and its various deriva1ions were not spot­ tangible interpreLation is divided into real; such as ted at all. 1 the purity of the body, place, or clothes; and legal The reference to physical purity prevailed in more such as ablution! The intangible interpretation Lhan half of those 31 locaLions followed by the sym­ covers the purity of one's heart, and the purity of bolic purity from idols' worshipping and lie telling, money by alms-giving. 1 the purity of heart and money, and the purity from Purity derives i1s legality, which furnished it with adultery. The following verses represent a sample for continuity and validity in the Muslim society, from, those four meanings: the Qur'an, the Prophet's traditions, and scholars' I. ·'For Allah loves those who turn to him constantly consensus. The following discussion will attempt to and He loves those who keep themselves pure and illustrate how deeply rooted the concept of purity is clean". 6 within those resources, through exposing the wealth 2. "And We convenanled wilh lbrahTm and Lsma'TI or numerous derivations, applications, legislations that they should sanctify My House for those who compass it around, or use it as a retreat, or bow, or prostrate themselves (therein in prayer)".' From the College of Archi1ec111re und Pla1111ing, King Saud U11iversi1y. 3. "Of their goods cake alms, That so you may Purify and sanctify chem".• Reprint requests: Turik NI. Al·Solima11, Ph.D. 4. ·'They said, drive out the followeri. of Lu~ from College of Archi1ec1ure and Pla1111i11g, your city: these are indeed men who want 10 be King Saud University, clean and pure!".' P.O. Box 57448. Riyadh 11574, Saudi Arabia.

Page JOO - JIMA: Volume 19, 1987 T he concept of purity in lhe Prophet's T he concepl of purity in the rulings of the tradilions (Sunna) predecessors The Prophet's lraditions (Sunna) represent the The rulings of the predecessors have handled the strong and explanatory continuity for the Qur'an. topic of purity, as it relates to humans and the en­ This becomes obvious with all the rulings and ap­ vironment, with an amazing detail. Their rulings and plications pertaining lo the cleanliness of the body, spcci fications indicate a very keen sense of ex­ clothes, and places in addition lo the specifications perimental understanding of the nature and behavior sci for the cleanser or purifier, which is repre cnted, of intruding macerials when they come in touch with mostly, by water. environment's major elements: I) the human body, 2) clothes, 3) space (including earth and air), and 4) Among the Prophet's sayings (Ahadlth) in this water. regard are: Those intruding substances were defined as "pollutants" in the modern sense. Such pollutants, "Purity is half of faith". 10 when united with any of the above four elements, would negate its qualification or fitness for perform­ "The deeds of my nation were presented to me. I ing prayers; or its worthiness for human consump­ found amongst the best, the removal of dirt from the tion in the form of water, liquid food, or cooked road. I found amongst the worst, the mucus (spit) in food. the Mosque docs not get buried". 11 The Islamic law classi ficd types of filths or pollutants according lo a sel of criteria and scales Another l:f.adlth described those who void excre­ which were handled by the books of jurisprudence ment in people's roads and shades as those who are more than eight centuries ago. Such classification cursed by people. 12 In another direction, numerous together with the ensuing implications and applica­ A~adT1h praise or request taking measures for enhan­ tions are widely scallered throughout those ~ources. cing the purity of the body and clothes."1 For Lhe sake of thfa &tudy, the author has gone

Figure -1- Types of Filths (!mpurfties)

Sa 11va

Non-Hquid blood

Filthy or1g1n: 1.e. Pure or1 gin: i.e. roaches butterfly

Blood-contacting Non-blood contacting parts parts such as flesh, fat, and skin Hard: Hair, tooth, hoof, horn Soft: Intestines, milk

~lild birds, scorpion, Edible animals birds Donkey &Mule snake, cat &

Pure, except mixed Detested. When mixed with water, not suit­ with wine able for ablution

JIMA: Volume 19, 1987 - Page JOI Figure -2· St.LI! of Phcu Aftecud 8y l"'!'ur ttlu and circumstances can be summarized as follows: I. The type of water source 2. Water volume

Placr pol luted •lace polluted. 3. The degree of admixture between the pollutant by ...t filth then dried and water. 4. The type of Lhe intruding substance (pure or im­ pure). 5. Water movement (still or running) Figures 3 and 4, present the different cases for poll uli ng the water. The water was classified into running, still, and well water. Different criteria were Hard surf1ce- Soft surltce then applied in order lo rule whether the water is pure PreclpltHed or impure. ln addtion to the five forms above, one 111 lth Wo4t fr can deduce the following biologic and physical criteria from figures 3 and 4. I . The visibility of the polluting substance. 2. The alleration in the physical properties of water A s,..11 pll h dug (color. taste, or smell). To bt dug up\ Ide down the s I ope dovn, t.htn water Then w.at~,. h pour· 3. The location of the polluting agent. h poured ed and col lected In tl\e pil 4. The dissemination of the pollutant particles throughour Lhe water as determined by surface di!lturbance test or the adoption of certain Pure distances. 5. The state of the polluting agent in terms of solidiry or liquidity. through the process of compiling those rulings, 6. The state of the polluting creature in terms of life classifications. and applications relevant to en­ and death. viron men ta I cleanliness and purity. Only the 7. The slate of the polluting dead creature in terms of unanimous and widely accepted rulings were compil­ decay. ed. Next, those rulings were organized in now chart 8. The amount or number of the polluting agent(s). formats in order lo make them more expl icit and legi­ Here it should be noticed I hat the rulings given lo ble (Figures 1-7). the water as being. pure or impure does noc qualify or For example, filths were classified to include au ex­ disqualify the water for ablution for prayers only. crements coming from humans, animals, and birds, The rulings follow suil on the potability of water, in addition Lo corpses and saliva/•" and as shown in thus emphasizing the non~secu l arily of the Muslim 's Figure I . Also, corpses were divided according to life. their blood liquidity. The parts of those corpses with Purifying Lhe polluted or filthy water is shown in liquid blood were then divided into blood contacring figure 5, where the process of purification is based and non-blood contacting nesh. Non-blood contac­ on: ting ncsh was divided according Lo its solidi Ly or li­ I. Water volume. quidity. In other words, the previous classification 2. The alteration of the physical characterisrics of considered the physiological and physical water. characteristics as rhe basis for giving the ruling of Having the purification process taken place, figure purity or impurity. 6 indicares the ruling on the water that has separated Following the classification of filths, or pollutants, after being used in washing out the impurity.•• We the state of the four environmental clements were notice from the chart and the sketch in figure 6 that considered after being exposed to those pollutancs. lhe washing >,,\later can not separate as a pure water Our discussion wiU be limited here to include space unless the washed element is not dirty any more and and water. Figure 2 shows the status of place or sur­ the water properties are not changed. For example if face hit by a filthy or an impure agent before and the washed element is clean while waler properties after getting dry and whether or not the surface is are affected - as in (c) - the separated water is con­ 1 solid. ' In general, we rcaliic how the rulings are sidered impure. responding Lo climatic, physical, and geographical Finally, figure 7 presents a new perception where circumstances encompassing the event of polluting a some addition Lo the water may not necessarily be space. filthy, but may render the water inappropriate for The case is entirely different when it comes to ablution. 11 Therefore the resulting water may be fit polluting the water due to the multiplicity of forms for human consumption but not for ablution as in and circumstances covered by jurist~. Those forms the first pan (i .e., vinegar solution or juices).

Page 102 - JIMA: Volume 19, 1987 Figure -3- Still and Running Waters and Rulings of Their Purity When Affected by Impurities

Water

Running stopped when 1--- Does not run Running not Runs w1 th hand Is put with straws & stopped when straws & leafs !land is pu l leafs

~unt Big If Amount. little tf

One Les~ Color, Color. Volume is Does not than tute, skin 01 ssemi side ustr. (IO) nHe (10) sinel 1 : bags• when d1sse­ smell not ciinate skin al­ to bags tered •lttred Far side other not af- fected by shakfng

The area Is 10.x 10 cubI ts

Fil th 1n 01lddle filth on side

t1rcle of (10) cub­ Distance of (10) its radius polluted cubits is polluttd

• Approximately 20 liters. ** A cubit is approxhnately 70 aa. (2 I fl!l!t) 3

Fi~re -4- Well W1ter ind Rulings of Its Purity When Affected by h1pu r1 t les

Anini.11 Other types of filth

Removed dead Removed a 11 ve

lqiure. ure. Exhtust unless whole Dirty we ll before fll ling Pure. unless: or Im­ skin was fll thy before mersed fa I ling or for ab­ uliva lut Ion reached

Exhaust whole well or at least 200 buckets

1------Loose chicken fluid; urine ucreMtnt and blood

Fresh (wet) ' broken Donkey, 1111le, Said to be Ex'laust whole Exhaust whole po 11utes cow tkcrenent 1..,ure well well

.I/MA: Volume 19, 1987 - Page 103 f f1Jure -S- ?urlfyl1'19 '1 hhy 'litter f igure -6- Tile Statu~ of Purity for Water Separating from the Washing Process

(IOI Ski• bo9>

Color, Color, ~olor, Color, Purtfled by UU.t, tot~. t•ite, tute, •dd••g (10) ...,11 SHl1 : ,.,..11 ,...,, , Slf•·bt9S •1te,...d not •llCll"td .. , •ltef"t'd alter-td

Purttted by ovtnt"'e1111lt19-

Pwrl tted by oveNbe1ming tUl alttl"Ulon dtuppt.tl'

Pudfitd by 0.,fF'lfhrllflil'lg

That ls: water's co lor, taste. or smell are not altered as a result of the washing process, bot the washed element ls not completely cleaned r purified. Therefore the separating water takes the same E.lt\.lutt10l'I ti 11 0 Adding OUN!' ruling of impurity. •lttratlon dh­ water till appears ai\d {10) tlteruton .\k,ft•b691 l"tt.lilfft diw9purt:

1 ngurt . 7. Addtt-1ves to water J!"d Their Effe'l on Water 1 Fil for Ablution • lioproxh'late 11 20 1 H.er$.

" Addtng '" •ddltlon•l .,_,!'It of wter Lo dhsolve t potent1&1l)' unnotlc;ed lapurtty re$4.llt1ng r...,. ••ter'1 cont~ct with• po1 1ut­ !~gs!:rl~ whkh hn not 11ecesnr1 1y ilt.erNI watrr•s c:oJol", tut~.

Hot fH H •ll lt is perlinent LO point out how a certain degree of malerialislic conception was attained by the previous

rulings. lt was shown how dJssolving in or unity with Foods & plants Un1Vojdab 1es C011Pa.tlbl t (for u. safron water molecules changes the physical and chemical such 4.S f!OSS to water In and Raisin and W"ater tu purl ty Wl te<) when •1- properties of water and thus prevent it from being us­ pl1nt, ind suth as tedng "'1hr Vineg1t Jukes & 1eaves aod sol\ ond •1 t.11011t dts· and Int v1ant ed in a new stage of purification. On the other hand, branctM!s . sand, 1m­ solving tn ft solu­ roots Also bott""' ltH 9th tions fluids we find that Lhose rulings were practical enough not s ul pkur and tMck 1nd (uctpt does rK>t Nn . , Ohal! . flllff9tr LO disqualify the water where incomplete unity with on arlo$ . qu1ntlty) S. It dis· other substances has taken place unavoidably, as in solvtng ,,.... fMl'ShtS 1s lhe case of sand and its minerals. also pure- Soups of pen Conclusion tnd beans Having established those principles, lhe Muslim society started to develop the adequate means 10 im­ plement them. The process of implementation has El..,,.,,t 'olhlch 1lte'5 water without •dliihturo or d1ssolvfng such u •mbergrts, cu1pl1or, •lou· resulted in Lhe emergence of an important personality wood, and sand•lwoo

Page 104 - JIMA: Volume 19, 1987 References Mu~ammad Ashraf Kashmlrf Bazar, Lahore, I. lbn DagTg A (12th cenLUry AD). l ~kam al­ Pakistan, 1973, Volume 2. A~kam, Scientific Books House, Beirut, 11. Wanli K: al Masjid Fi'l-lslam (The Mosque in Lebanon, (no date). Volume I , p I. Islam), al-Dar al-Salafiah, Kuwait, 1980, p 110. 2. Samargandi (10th cemury AD), Tu~fat al­ 12. Reference 10, Volume 3, p 161 Fuqaha'. Dar al-Fikr, Damascus, Syria, 1964, 13. Al-Bukhari (8th century AD). SahT~ al-Bukhan, Volume I, p I. Translated by Dr. Mu~ammad Muhsin Khan , 3. lbn Qudama H (I Ith century AD), al-Mughnl, Sethi Straw Board Mills (conversion) Ltd. Gu­ Riyadh Modern Library, Ri yadh, Saudi Arabia, jranwala Canlt, Pakistan, 1971, Volume I. 1981, Volume I, 1981 , p 6. 14. lbn Dagis A (12th century AD). al-'Lmam B'il 4. Reference 2, p 30. J:f adfth al-A~ k am, revised by Mu~ammad S. 5. 'Abdul BagT M, al-Mu 'jam al-Mufahra\ (Index­ Mav.lawi, hlamic Culture House, Riyadh, Saudj ed Catalogue for the Terms of Qur'an), Jamil Arabia, 1963. Publishing Company, Beirut, Lebanon, (no 15. Reference 2, p 130. date), pp 428-429. 16. Reference 3, p 2. 6. Glorious Qur'an, Chapter 2, Verse 222. 17. Reference 3, pp 11-13. 7. Glorious Qur'an, Chapter 2, Verse 125. 18. Al-Soliman, T.M.: Environmental purity and 8. Glorious Qur'an, Chap1er 9, Verse 103 . cleanliness: applications and practices in the ear­ 9. Glorious Qur'an, Chapter 27, Verse 56. ly Muslim society. JIMA (In press). 10. Muslim (8th century AD), Sahih Muslim, Translated by 'Abdul l;i amTd Siddiqi, Sh.