Nurturing the Next Generation
Project Of Sound Vision

 

The Importance of Purification in Islam

By Laura El Alam

Taharah, or purification, is a crucial part of Islam. In fact, the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“Purification is half of iman (faith).” 

(Sahih Muslim 223)

In our quest to please Allah who is Al Quddus, the Most Pure, Muslims must strive for both external and internal cleanliness. Writer Laura El Alam examines Islamic guidance related to purification of our bodies, our masjids, and the historic contributions of Muslims in this area. In addition, she identifies eight specific ways to achieve a pure heart.

 

 Parenting Tip

Taharah or purification is a system of ritual purity in Islam. Lessons about the topic should be part of an ongoing conversation in every family. There are a number of nice resources that provide age-appropriate content, activities, and details.

 

Hygiene Tips for Teens

By Wendy Díaz

Parenting stinks! Whether it is soiled diapers or sweaty gym socks, the stenches that come with childrearing are sure to offend even the most seasoned nostrils. If you are the parent of a teenager, a secondary school educator, or a sports coach, then you know that adolescent body odors are especially unpleasant. Hormonal changes, increased activity, perspiration, and bad habits are to blame. Writer Wendy Díaz explores the world of teen hygiene (and how to encourage adolescents to care about that, too).

 

The Prophet's Duaa

The Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, used to recite the following duaa or supplication which indicates his love of purification:

Allâhumma lak al-hamdu mil as-samâwâti wa mil al-ardi wa mil`a maa shi´ta min shay`in ba’d. Allâhumma tahhirni bith-thalji wal-baradi wal-mâ il-bârid. Allâhumma tahhirni min adh-dhunoobi wa naqqini minhâ kamâ yunaqq-ath-thawb ul-abyadu min al-wasikh.”

“O Allah! Praise be to You as much as that which fills the heavens and the earth and as much as You will. O Allah! Purify me with snow, hail and cold water. O Allah! Purify and cleanse me of sins as a white dress is cleansed of filth.” 

(Ahmad)

 

A Conversational Guide to Menstrual Hygiene

By Melissa Barreto

Menstruation specifically is still one topic considered taboo to discuss by many, despite open and clear mentions of it in the Quran, the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, and in documented statements of the early companions. Because of this, many Muslim girls and women grow up not fully understanding their menses, how to manage it, or how to know when something is wrong. Writer Melissa Barreto has taken the opportunity to fill in the details in an interview with Dr. Naglaa Rizk, MD, Board Certified Gynecologist from New Jersey with over 20 years of experience specializing in pelvic pain and menstrual disorders.

 

Quranic Guidance

“Truly, Allah loves those who turn to him in repentance and those who purify themselves.”

(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2: 222)

 

Reinforcing Good Hygiene Practices from an Early Age

By Umm Ahmed

Reinforcing good hygiene practices from an early age is important for several reasons. Firstly, because it is deemed essentially as half of our faith by the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him. Additionally, because it helps preserve our health and protect us and others around us from the spread of infections causing potential illnesses and health problems. Writer Umm Ahmed encourages parents to teach their children the importance of hygiene by modeling good practices and concentrating on four areas:

  • Taking care of our bodies
  • Attending to toilet hygiene
  • Limiting the spread of germs
  • Keeping the environment clean

Learn more in the full article.

 

Book Review: Is That a Teapot by the Toilet?

By Zahirah Lynn Eppard

When I first saw the title of this book, it drew a smile. As a Muslim convert, a reference to the “teapot” resonates. What I didn’t expect to find was a fully comprehensive resource on the topic of potty training from an Islamic perspective. Is That a Teapot by the Toilet? by award-winning author Rabia Bashir holds a cute story for readers of all ages. In addition, parents will find lots of helpful tips and advice. Children will find interesting content and visuals, a maze activity, and even a catchy tune for the occasion. The book is worthy to add to your home library and would make a wonderful gift for any child approaching his/her own potty training milestone.

 

Interesting Facts

The Islamic emphasis on cleanliness is particularly evident in its focus on oral hygiene, the practice of keeping the mouth clean and healthy. Note that the mouth has both a physical and a spiritual significance. 

  • Without a physically healthy mouth, it is difficult for us to eat, drink, smile, laugh, or show certain emotions based on facial expressions. 
  • Without a healthy mouth, we are unable to enunciate our speech properly. 
  • If the mouth is not clean and healthy, we can develop serious illnesses in the rest of the body that can affect our quality of life. 
  • Recent research points to a connection between gum disease and the inflammation accompanying heart attacks, strokes, and other vascular events. 
  • The research also shows that oral bacteria appear in the fatty deposits of patients with atherosclerosis, a disease of the arteries. Those deposits, if left untreated, can lead to a narrowing of the arteries or they may break loose and block them, causing a heart attack or stroke.

For more details about the importance of oral hygiene, see More than Miswaks: The Tradition of Oral Hygiene in Islam.

 

Online Resources

The Sunnahs of Cleanliness - This article focuses attention on five of the basic Sunnahs of cleanliness that we can implement and teach our families.

The M Word: Teaching Girls about Puberty - This is a nice piece on teaching girls about puberty and menstruation.

Embracing Change: Teaching Muslim Boys about Puberty - This is a companion piece about puberty for boys. 

Ali and Sumaya - How to do Wudu - This is a cute Islamic cartoon video instruction about making wudu.

Kids Hygiene Art - This site has tons of craft ideas that can also reinforce good hygiene practices.

 

Adam’s World Video:  Aneesah's Potty Training Adventures

Aneesah’s growing up so the family helps her ditch her diapers and use the potty. While they’re at it, Aneesah also learns that Allah created us and causes us to grow up in stages, one after the other. The Arabic letter “khaa” for Khaliq and the English letter “C” for Creator are featured. A beautiful nasheed called Al-Khaliq by Dawud Wharnsby is also included. (7:02)

 
 

The Sound Vision Foundation has been a trusted source of Islamic knowledge for more than 30 years. Our work with the world-renowned puppets Adam and Aneesah pioneered creative programming for Muslim children, encouraging them to learn about and love their religion. We continue to bring sound content and engaging programs that stimulate minds, touch hearts, and strive to fulfill our mission of raising better Muslims, better neighbors, and better citizens. This latest effort is designed to support and empower Muslim parents to do the same.

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