Islam places a great emphasis on purity, both spiritual and physical. Maintaining cleanliness and purity is essential to achieving a state of righteousness and closeness to Allah. Tahara comes in, which refers to purifying oneself by Islamic teachings. In this article, we learn the different types of Tahara in Islam and how to perform them according to competition & Writer research correctly.

What is Tahara?

Tahara, also known as purification, is a fundamental concept in Islam. Spiritually and physically, purifying oneself to attain a state of ritual purity involves removing impurities and cleaning the body and mind. Tahara is a prerequisite for performing Salah (prayer), reciting the Quran, and other religious rituals.

Types of Tahara

There are two types of Tahara in Islam: minor and major.

Minor Tahara

Minor Tahara purifies the body and clothing from impurities such as urine, feces, blood, and other substances that nullify ablution or ritual purity. The following are the types of minor Tahara:

Wudu (Ablution)

Wudu is washing specific body parts with clean water, which is mandatory before performing Salah. The following should follow following steps to perform Wudu:

Intention

Make the intention to perform Wudu for the sake of Allah.

Washing the hands

Wash both hands up to the wrist three times.

Rinsing the mouth

Take a handful of water, rinse the mouth three times, and spit out the water each time.

Cleaning the nose

Take water in the right hand and sniff it into the nostrils, then blow it out with the left hand three times.

Washing the face

Wash the face three times, from the hairline to the chin and ear to ear.

Washing the arms

Wash the right arm up to the elbow three times, then the left arm in the same way.

Wiping the head

Wipe the head once with wet hands and then return the hands to their original position.

Washing the feet

Wash the right foot up to the ankle three times, then the left foot in the same way.

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Tayammum (Dry Ablution)

Tayammum is a substitute for Wudu or Ghusl (central purification) when water is unavailable or its use may harm someone. Tayammum is done by touching clean earth or sand with one’s hands and then wiping the face and hands with it. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “The earth made for my followers and me a place for prayer and a means of purification” (Muslim). They should follow the following steps to perform Tayammum:

Intention

Make the intention to perform Tayammum for the sake of Allah.

Striking the earth

Strike the earth once with the palms of your hands. Wiping the face Wipe the face once with the palms of the hands.

Wiping the hands

Wipe the right hand up to the wrist with the left hand, then wipe the left hand similarly.

Major Tahara

Major Tahara is the purification of significant impurities such as sexual intercourse, menstruation, post-natal bleeding, and other pollutants that require Ghusl (ritual bath). The following are the Tahara in Islam:

Ghusl (Ritual Bath)

Ghusl is a complete bath that purifies the entire body. It is mandatory after sexual intercourse, menstruation, post-natal bleeding, and other impurities that require Ghusl. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said to perform Ghusl, one should follow the following steps:

Intention

First, I intend to perform Ghusl for the sake of Allah.

Washing hands

Wash your hands three times.

Cleaning private parts

Clean the private parts thoroughly.

Performing Wudu

Perform Wudu as mentioned earlier.

Pouring water over the head

Pour water over the head three times, ensuring the water reaches the roots of the hair.

Pouring water over the entire body

Pour water over the entire body three times, starting from the right shoulder and then the left. Ensure that every body part, no detail, is left dry.

Istinja (Cleaning after using the toilet)

Istinja is the act of cleaning oneself after using the toilet. It is mandatory to clean oneself after urination or defecation and use water or other materials such as tissue paper or stones. Should follow the following steps to perform Istinja:

Intention

Make the intention to clean oneself after using the toilet for the sake of Allah.

Using water

Wash the private parts with water, using the left hand to clean and the right hand to pour water. The private parts wash three times or until they are clean.

Using tissue paper

If water is unavailable, use tissue paper to clean the private parts. Use the tissue paper until the area is clean and disposed of properly.

Importance of Tahara in Islam

Taharah, or purification, is a vital aspect of Islam and is significant in the religion’s physical and spiritual realms. It is a fundamental concept throughout Islamic teachings and practices and essential in various parts of Islamic worship and daily life.

One of the primary reasons for the importance of Taharah in Islam is that it serves as a means of attaining spiritual purity and closeness to Allah. In Islamic teachings, a key element in achieving righteousness and purification is to cleanse the soul of sins and impurities. Therefore, maintaining Taharah is seen as a way to achieve spiritual purity and attain a higher consciousness and devotion.

Taharah is also essential for performing various Islamic rituals and activities. For instance, Wudu (ablution) is necessary for performing Salah (prayer) and reading the Quran during Ghusl (ritual bath) after certain activities, such as sexual intercourse and menstruation. Therefore, maintaining Taharah is essential for adequately performing these religious activities.

Moreover, Tahara in Islam is necessary for maintaining hygiene and cleanliness in Islam. Islam places great emphasis on hygiene and cleanliness, and Muslims are encouraged to maintain cleanliness not only of their bodies but also of their homes, communities, and environment. Taharah ensures one is clean and free from impurities, which can help prevent the spreading of diseases and illnesses. In addition to physical cleanliness, Taharah is significant for maintaining mental and emotional purity.

It involves avoiding impure thoughts and behaviors, striving toward spiritual purity, and maintaining a positive mindset. This aspect of Taharah is essential for maintaining a healthy and balanced spiritual life and achieving inner peace and tranquility. In conclusion, Taharah holds great importance in Islam, as it serves as a means of attaining spiritual purity, performing religious activities, maintaining hygiene and cleanliness, and achieving mental and emotional purity. Muslims are encouraged to keep Taharah to draw closer to Allah and attain a higher consciousness and devotion.

Taharah accordings to science

Taharah, the concept of purification in Islam, has a scientific basis that reinforces its importance in Islamic teachings. Scientific research has shown that maintaining cleanliness and hygiene prevents disease spread and keeps good health. For instance, Wudu (ablution), a part of minor Taharah, involves washing certain body parts before performing Salah (prayer) and other religious activities.

This cleansing removes bacteria and other microorganisms from the skin, which can help prevent infections and illnesses.  Similarly, Ghusl (ritual bath), a part of major Taharah, is required after certain activities, such as sexual intercourse and menstruation. This cleansing has to reduce the risk of infections and illnesses by removing bacteria and other pathogens from the body.

Moreover, Istinja, which is cleaning oneself after using the toilet, is essential to maintaining hygiene and preventing the spread of diseases. Failure to maintain proper hygiene after using the bathroom can lead to the spread of diseases such as diarrhea and hepatitis A. In addition to its physical benefits, keeping Taharah can positively affect mental and emotional health.

Research has shown that maintaining cleanliness and hygiene can improve mental health, reduce stress, and increase self-esteem. Furthermore, purification in Islam involves avoiding impure thoughts and behaviors, striving toward spiritual purity, and maintaining a positive mindset. This aspect of Taharah can positively affect mental and emotional health, improving emotional well-being, reducing stress levels, and increasing feelings of inner peace and tranquility.

In conclusion, Taharah, the concept of purification in Islam, has a scientific basis that reinforces its importance in Islamic teachings. Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene is essential for preventing the spread of diseases and maintaining good health. The act of purification can also positively affect mental and emotional well-being. As such, Taharah is an essential aspect of Islamic teachings that promotes physical and spiritual well-being.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tahara in Islam is an essential aspect of Islam, according to competition & Writer research, and it is mandatory before performing Salah and other religious rituals. Minor Tahara includes Wudu and Tayammum, while major Tahara includes Ghusl and Istinja. By following the correct steps and performing these acts to purify oneself for the sake of Allah, Muslims can achieve spiritual and physical cleanliness. May Allah guide us all toward the path of righteousness and purity.