before eating is that the hands and mouth become dirty due to being utilised in work. The reason for the washing of the hands and mouth being stipulated after eating is that the hands and mouth become greasy due to eating. The one who rinses his mouth out after eating will remain protected for tooth diseases. Likewise, the one who is habitual in using Miswak during Wudu remains safe from tooth and stomach diseases. (Mirat-ul-Manajih, vol. 6, p. 32, summa     rised)

Washing hands and mouth before and after eating has many medical benefits also. Thus, the experts state that stomach germs mostly enter the body during eating and drinking; not washing the hands and mouth before eating can result in skin diseases, stomach diseases and many other ailments. Sometimes, other sick people spitting, sneezing and coughing can cause germs to land on our hands; washing the hands and mouth properly before eating can save us from them. Similarly, by not washing hands and mouth after eating result in germs growing and increasing on the soiled areas, which can result in illnesses to spread. Therefore, safety lies in one making a habit of washing the hands and mouth before and after eating. However, we will only receive reward for this if we have the intention of acting upon the Sunnah. May Allah Almighty enable us to act upon this!

صَلُّوۡا عَلَى الۡحَبِيۡب                                                            صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلٰى مُحَمَّد

Dear Islamic brothers! Cleanliness is an excellent habit. Whether we are rich or poor; healthy or sick; cleanliness and hygiene protect a person’s honour and dignity in every state. Just as Islam has purified humans from the filth of Kufr and Shirk and granted them honour and elevation, at the same time, it has also raised the dignity of the mankind by providing them great guidance in relation to both, internal and external cleanliness. Whether it is the purity of the body or the cleanliness of clothes, whether it is the excellence of outward appearance or the excellence of one’s conduct, whether it is the cleanliness of one’s house and belongings, or the washing of one’s conveyance; in short, Islam has given the guidance and encouragement to keep everything clean and pure. Our Beloved Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم himself was matchless when it came to cleanliness and hygiene. It is recorded in