Abu Malik as-Ash’ari RadhiAllahu anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: Cleanliness is half of Iman and Alhamdulillah fills the scale, and SubhanAllah and Alhumdulillah fill up what is between the heavens and the earth, and prayer is a light, and charity is proof of one’s faith and endurance is a brightness and the Holy Qur’an is a proof on your behalf or against you. All men go out early in the morning and sell themselves, thereby setting themselves free or destroying themselves.
SubhanAllah, the area that Masjid al-Haram occupies on the earth must be the cleanest patch of land on the entire globe. Armies of diligent cleaners, brothers and sisters, are dusting, polishing, mopping, sweeping, vacuuming, washing and picking up all that is dropped 24/7. The efficient routine never ceases, and the care and love seen on all contibuting to this task is admirable. Their presence is evident in every direction one gazes; high above scaffolding meticulously cleaning each and every architectural feature and light fittings to all surfaces below.
It feels that this attention to cleanliness, emanating from Baitullah, somehow contributes to the collective Iman of all attending Masjid al-Haram. Just as the excessive recitation of Alhumdulillah and SubhanAllah in this sacred space brings peace and tranquility to hearts and souls of the Ummah as these words soar from this pivotal point. As rolling waves rippling between the earth and heavens in concentric circles.
The antics of the brothers in the turquoise uniforms as they are engaged in the major cleaning mesmerize. Children laugh excitedly, adults stare in amazement as if watching a skillfully choreographed ballet. The display of dexterity and nimbleness as they contol all the props is a performance of agility and devotion, and a mastery of organization. (a related article 20,000 mobilized for Hajj)
Brothers are constantly circumambulating the Ka’abah with wide mops to lesson the accumulation of fine fluff from the perpetual friction of clothing of the thousands attending to their worship.
Thus it is sad to see so many ignore this important section of the Hadith; Cleanliness is half of Iman when they casually leave rubbish in the Haramain. Children are not reprimanded when they collect dozens of the pastic cups that they shred or use as misslies or to build towers and then leave lying on the floor. Drinks are spilt, tissues and wrappers dropped and food crumbs ignored, all as if it is the job of the cleaners to deal with this lack of manners.
Alhumdulillah the general situation in and around Masjid al-Haram seems far more ordered than the two cordoned off sections for sisters and children in Masjid an-Nabawi. Maybe this is attributed to what seems to be more brothers on duty in the courtyard of Masjid al-Haram, coupled with the fact that families can sit together there, and thus the males can have an input regarding the behaviour of children, or at least parents together have more control. Whereas in Madinah in the sisters only areas, relativley fewer sisters seem to be on duty, and any disciplinary action comes only from the female members of the family. Allahu ‘Alum. Whatever the reasons, the truth of Cleanliness is half of Iman needs to be instilled in the hearts of the Ummah, especially the young, and more especially those who are blessed to be in Haramain. I have addressed this situation with others here, hoping to arrive at some pro-active answer to this issue but as yet no direct plan has been implemented. Suggestions more than welcome.
Meanwhile, may each of us impart the essence of Cleanliness is half of Iman to all around us with the gentlest of Adab, be consistent with filling our scale with Alhumdulillah, adding to the waves of peace encircling the earth with Dhikr, eliminating darkness, even if only by a tiny amount with the birghtness of our endurance and the light of prayer, proving our faith with charity and recitation and fulfilling all that will contribute to us going out in the morning to set ourselves free.
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
Assalamualaikum.
SubhanAllah, Walhamduliilah, Wa La Ilahaillallah, Allahu Akbar!!! Praise be to Allah, the cheriser and sustainer of the world!
I would like to say: I hope Allah will always bless You! You have done the best for Islam by active to share Islam Infomation in your blog. This is so positive and wonderful. I have ever visited your blog before, but when I visite again, it is new and renew article which is up to date.
Let me introduce my self… I am Abdus Solihin, I live in Indonesia and I have being a student of physics department Faculty of Mathematic and Pure Science, University of Jember, Indonesia since 1 year ago. I hope you want to became my friend. If You have Friendster, You can add my email: elhobela@yahoo.co.id
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Thanks…
Wassalamualaikum.
Comment by ELHOBELA — November 4, 2008 @ 7:25 am
Wa ‘alaikumus Salam
Dear Abdus Solinin, JazakumuLlahu khairan for your supportive words, and for sharing your site, which creates awe, instilling the heart with the Greatness of Allah Ta’ala. May your studies lead to success in both worlds, Ameen. I have the fondest of memories of Indonesia, being where Allah Ta’ala pierced my heart with His Hidayah, SubhanAllah.
Wassalamu alaikum
Comment by almiskeenah — November 4, 2008 @ 5:50 pm