بسم ا الرحمن الرحيم
OUTLINES OF PERSONAL HYGIENE & PUBLIC HEALTH MEASURES IN ISLAM Dr. Akram Al-Hilali 2000
Cleanliness is Part of Faith Prophet Mohammed (PBUH)
INTRODUCTION
Measures being discussed are minimal requirements of a Muslim.
Using other “modern” cleaning agents and techniques are accepted.
The paucity of water in the environment of birthplace of Islam and some other parts of the world should be kept in mind
WUDHU’ (Ablution) Indications
Before every prayer (5 obligatory prayers in a day and night with possible extra prayers offered).
No need to repeat (renew) if conditions of cleanliness are maintained from last prayer.
Water used has to be clean by Islamic specifications.
NOTES ON WUDHU’
1. Starts with hand washing, as the hand will handle water for the rest of the process.
2. Face washed before arms and feet, to avoid any contamination from them.
3. Feet washed at the end.
4. Right side before left in all.
BODY WASH (GHÜSÜL) Indications (Minimal)
After sexual intercourse, and before offering any prayer, reciting Qur’an or touching it following the intercourse.
After ejaculation of semen in men.
After termination of the menstrual cycle in women.
Before Friday prayer for all adults.
Before starting Hajj or Umra.
BODY WASH (Ghusul) Parts washed (with good rubbing) in sequence:
1. Sexual organs and anal area.
2. Hands.
3. Wudhu (ablution), except feet.
4. Scalp hair and head.
5. Rest of the body
6. Feet
Notes: Right before left for all parts. Washing is with water as minimum. Further cleaning, as by detergent, is acceptable.
BASIC SANITARY TRADITIONS IN ISLAM
Circumcision for males
Shaving pubic hair for both sexes
Removing axillary hair for both sexes
Trimming the nails
Trimming moustache and not allowing long moustache hair.
MALE CIRCUMCISION RESULTS:
Decreased incidence of urethritis in the circumcised.
Decreased incidence of uterine cervical infection in female partners of the circumcised males.
Decreased incidence of cervical cancer in female partners of the circumcised.
Obviously, superior cleanliness.
REMOVAL OF AXILLARY HAIR
Prevention of fungal growth on hair due to humidity in the area.
Fungal growth may start on the hair shaft right above skin surface.
Source of bad odor
Ugly crusting of dried sweat on hair shafts.
SHAVING PUBIC HAIR
Source of dirt that may accumulate and cause crusting on hair.
Source of fungal and bacterial infection du to local humidity and favorable environment. Infection may spread to skin.
Source of bad odor.
SPECIAL PERSONAL HYGIENE AND CLEAN TRADITIONS
Abolition of sexual relation between married couples during menstrual cycle and peurperium.
Absolute prohibition of extramarital sexual relation.
Absolute prohibition of homosexual relation.
Prohibition of sexual intercourse with wife except from natural orifice.
Encouragement of marriage and simplifying its formalities.
Renewal of ablution if urine, stool, pus or gas is passed.
Prohibition of eating uncooked meat.
ISLAM PROHIBITS SEXUAL PRACTICES LEADING TO PERSONAL & PUBLIC HEALTH HAZARDS
Unhygienic practices are prohibited.
Natural practice of sex through natural orifices.
Personal and public health problems caused by homosexuality are evident.
Multiplicity of sexual partners is a major cause of sexually-transmitted diseases in recent centuries and is a major public health hazard.
SEXUAL PRACTICES- Cnt’d
Prohibition of sexual contact during menses and peurperium is one of Islam’s outstanding hygienic measures.
The superficial endometrial layer is shed off at this time which causes blood sinuses to be open to the outside.
Necrotic material (shed endometrium) within the uterus is a favorable medium for bacterial growth.
Endometrial curetting from Muslim women are universally cleaner and show less inflammatory cells than those from non-muslims, though the latter are generally more educated.
SEXUAL PRACTICES- Contd. AIDS
Is a striking example of personal and public health problems caused by homosexuality, illegal sex and multiple sex partners.
All kinds of preventive measures and remedies are being considered, except the most effective and most obvious: religious codes.
In spite of all shortcomings, Muslims all over the world have the lowest incidence rates.
OTHER HYGIENIC PERSONAL PRACTICES SIWAK Brushing the teeth with brush end of stick from the Arak tree. Nice odor and taste Good brushing surface Mechanical cleaning Antiseptic characteristics Indications: Advocated by the Prophet to individual Muslims prior to each prayer, if available to him or her and can be afforded.
USES OF LEFT HAND AND RIGHT HAND
Left hand is to be used for wiping or washing the natural orifices after passing urine, feces or semen. Hand is washed thereafter.
Left hand is used for blowing the nose.
Left hand is used for washing the feet.
Left hand is not to be used for washing the face or mouth.
Left hand is not to be used for eating or drinking.
Right hand is reserved for eating, drinking and washing the face and mouth.
FOODS & DRINKS
Islam prohibits its followers from overeating in very clear-cut verses from the Qur’an and from Prophet’s sayings.
Prohibited food items are minimal. Otherwise, anything that is “good” is allowed.
Prohibited items include pig’s meat, dead animals and meat of animals traumatized before dying.
Items normally allowed can be prohibited for reasons of faith.
Alcohol and any drug that affect mental abilities of human being is strictly prohibited
“EAT AND DRINK, BUT NOT EXCESSIVELY, FOR GOD DOES NOT LIKE THOSE WHO EAT OR DRINK TO EXCESS” Qur’an, Surah VII, verse31
“EAT OF THEIR FRUIT, IN THEIR SEASON, AND RENDER THE DUES THAT ARE PROPER (TO THE POOR) ON THE DAY OF THEIR HARVEST, BUT WASTE NOT BY EXCESS, FOR GOD DOES NOT LIKE THE WASTERS” Qur’an, Surah VI, verse 141
FEW SMALL MOUTHFULS OF FOOD SHOULD SUFFICE FOR SURVIVAL OF A HUMAN BEING. IF HE IS TO EAT THEN A THIRD OF HIS STOMACH IS FOR HIS FOOD, A THIRD FOR HIS DRINK AND A THIRD FOR HIS BREATH (i.e. to stay empty) Prophet Mohammed(PBUH)
OTHER SANITARY TRADITIONS
A- Washing hands before eating.
B- Washing mouth after eating, especially meat.
Wiping external orifices after urination and defecation. Washing them with water is preferable.
SOME PUBLIC HEALTH & PREVENTIVE MEASURES IN ISLAM
Prohibition of urination in public water and particularly non flowing water sources.
Stagnant water of small volume is not considered clean for ablution and washing.
Individuals living in a town inflicted with an epidemic are not to leave the town till the epidemic is over.
The complete washing of the dead body and its prompt burial.
ISLAM ENCOURAGES THE FOLLOWING SPORTS IN PARTICULAR
RACING
HORSE RIDING
SWIMMING
THERAPEUTIC MEASURES “O! Servants of God seek treatment, for God has not created an illness without creating its cure (or treatment)” Prophet Mohammed (PBUH)