The Prophet (ﷺ) said: If anyone applies collyrium, he should do it an odd number of times. If he does so, he has done well; but if not, there is no harm. If anyone cleanses himself with pebbles, he should use an odd number. If he does so, he has done well; but if not, there is no harm.
If anyone eats, he should throw away what he removes with a toothpick and swallow what sticks to his tongue. If he does so, he has done well; if not, there is no harm. If anyone goes to relieve himself, he should conceal himself, and if all he can do is to collect a heap of send, he should sit with his back to it, for the devil makes sport with the posteriors of the children of Adam. If he does so, he has done well; but if not, there is no harm.
Narrated by Narrated AbuHurayrah:
Context
In this hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) provides guidance on various acts of personal hygiene and etiquette. He emphasizes the significance of performing these acts in odd numbers, such as when applying collyrium or cleansing oneself. The Prophet (ﷺ) also addresses the importance of modesty when relieving oneself, highlighting the need for privacy and respect in such situations.
Modern Application
This hadith serves as a practical guide for Muslims today, reminding them of the importance of personal hygiene and proper etiquette in daily life. It encourages individuals to maintain cleanliness and modesty, which are essential aspects of Islamic teachings.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Eating Etiquette because it outlines proper conduct regarding personal hygiene and cleanliness, which are integral to a Muslim's daily life.
O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles. And if you are in a state of janabah, then purify yourselves. But if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the place of relieving himself or you have contacted women and do not find water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and hands with it. Allah does not intend to make difficulty for you, but He intends to purify you and complete His favor upon you that you may be grateful.
O you who have believed, do not approach prayer while you are intoxicated until you know what you are saying or in a state of janabah, except those passing through [a place of prayer], until you have washed [your whole body]. And if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the place of relieving himself or you have contacted women and find no water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and your hands [with it]. Indeed, Allah is ever Pardoning and Forgiving.