Taharah (Purification)
The word Taharah literally means purification or cleanliness. As far as its religious meaning is concerned, it refers to the process of cleansing and the removal of impurity/dirt (Najas) from one’s body, clothes, prayer mats and places of worship. It covers purification from both minor and major impurities. Taharah also entails purification of the soul and the heart from disbelief, polytheism, show off, envy, stinginess, arrogance and other sinful practices. This is usually called spiritual or inner purification.
Allah mentions both the physical and spiritual purifications in the Qur’an. Allah says:
وَثِيَابَكَ فَطَهِّرۡ وَٱلرُّجۡزَ فَٱهۡجُرۡ
“And your garments, do purify them. And keep away from idols (and other sinful practices). (Quran 74:4-5)
The Prophet (peace be on him) said: “Purification is half of faith. ” (Transmitted by Muslim).
In carrying out physical purification, clean and pure water is required. Water is considered clean if it is pure and can purify something impure as well. Thus, Water is said to be clean when it has no colour, taste or smell. It must be free of impurities such as urine, rose, vinegar, perfume, milk, dead animal, blood etc. Sources of clean water include rain, well, zamzam, stream, lake, sea, spring, and river.
In the absence of clean water, the worshipper could resort to clean soil, sand, stone or other pure substances and use them to perform tayammum (dry ablution).
Modes of Taharah (Purification)
There are three major modes of taharah are:
- Wudu (Water ablution).
- Ghusl (ritual bath).
- Tayammum (dry ablution).