Key Takeaways
- The Quran says Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and those who purify themselves (Quran 2:222).
- Sahih Muslim (223) reports the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ saying that purity is half of faith, some translations render this as cleanliness.
- Purity in Islam covers the body, clothing, and surroundings, and also the heart.
- Wudu is the everyday practice that links physical cleanliness with worship.
- Practical habits, such as washing regularly and keeping shared spaces clean, are a natural expression of this teaching.
The Quran and Sahih Muslim both treat purity as important. Allah loves those who purify themselves (Quran 2:222), and the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said that purity is half of faith (Sahih Muslim 223).
What the Quran Says
"Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves" (Quran 2:222, Sahih International). The verse places repentance and purity side by side, which shows that purity is not only about the body.
What the Hadith Says
Abu Malik al-Ash'ari reported that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, "Purification is half of faith," and went on to speak of praising Allah, prayer as a light, and charity as proof of faith (Sahih Muslim 223). Some English translations use "cleanliness" instead of "purification." Scholars have offered several explanations of what "half" means, and they agree on the emphasis it gives to purity.
Outer Purity
Outer purity covers the body, clothes, and place of prayer. The most familiar form is wudu, which we explain in our guide to the steps of wudu. Everyday cleanliness, such as washing regularly, is a natural extension.
Inner Purity
The Quran's pairing of repentance with purification points to the heart as well. Sincere repentance, honesty, and removing envy and hatred are all part of purifying yourself inwardly.
Practical Habits
- Keep clean, and wash before prayer.
- Keep shared spaces, such as the home and the masjid, tidy.
- Teach children handwashing and simple wudu.
- Repent quickly when you slip, and make a fresh start.
Learning More
Our Salah course teaches purity for prayer step by step, and our Islamic Studies course covers the wider picture. A free trial lesson is a simple way to start.