SIGNIFICANCE OF HEALTH AND HYGIENE IN ISLAMIC JURISPRUDENCE

Abstract

Islam in general is discussed as a monolithic religion. In case of health and hygiene it has a holistic approach where the physical, emotional and spiritual health cannot be spared. Many of the principles of Islam call upon people to look after their health, to avoid health hazards and risks, and to raise their standards of hygiene. Furthermore, hygiene in Islam is not first a concept rather it is a major and essential condition for the performance of some forms of worship, such as prayer which is preceded by Wuduʹ (ablution). We can, then, say that cleanliness is actually an act of worship in Islam. The Islamic jurisprudence is dynamic and takes into consideration the two important factors of time and place when the process of ijtihād is practiced in order to resolve the difficulties of a Muslim community logically. Islamic Jurisprudence had made the foundation for the cleanliness and hygiene of the human environment through a network of rulings and specifications. The Glorious Qurʹān, the prophet’s traditions (Sunnah), old practices and legislations adopted by Muslims will represent the major sources for such an investigation. It has found that the Islamic jurisprudence had recognized the importance of purity, cleanliness and hygiene. It had established rules for the protection of health and maintaining hygiene long before other cultures. The Islamic medical jurisprudence is progressive and paves the road of health promotion, hygiene and medical development if it is applied properly. Therefore, this paper tries to highlight some Islamic teachings and practices discussed by the Islamic jurisprudence about the importance of health and hygiene and their relevance in contemporary period.