Why Inner Cleanliness?

Alhamdulillahi Rabbil ‘Alameen, wassalatu wassalamu ‘ala Sayyidil Anbiya wal Mursaleen. Allah Ta’ala says: “Indeed, Allah loves those who purify themselves.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:222). The Messenger of Allah ﷺ reminded us: “Verily, in the body there is a piece of flesh which, if it is sound, the whole body will be sound; and if it is corrupt, the whole body will be corrupt. Verily, it is the heart.” (Bukhari, Muslim). Just as we never tolerate dirty dishes or clothes in our homes, we must not tolerate the dirt and rust of sins, envy, and arrogance within our hearts. Too often we are quick to see the faults of others while ignoring the stains within ourselves. Real purification begins not with the eyes searching outside but with the soul looking inward.

Someone asked an elder how I can make my life as good as anyone else's and what should I do. The elder replied, "I have washed the dishes used in the house, and even if I don't wash them myself, I see the dishes used in the houses being cleaned every day." This is probably the first job of those who work in the houses, the rest of the clothes and cleaning the houses come later. The first question these employees ask their boss after their interview is how many people and what age live in the house. From this, they can estimate how many dishes there can be and what the number of clothes to wash can be. Keeping the dishes and clothes clean is usually a habit of every person in every house, in which even a small degree of negligence is unacceptable.

Have we ever looked inside ourselves and seen how much dirt and grime has built its home in us and has even changed its color due to lack of cleaning? We are not only fully aware of all the shortcomings of our friends, relatives, and especially neighbors, but also verbally remember them. We remember what so-and-so did when and what he did today. What his behavior was before and what he does now. How did so much progress happen in such a short time? How was this abundance of prosperity and wealth possible in such a short period of time? Until yesterday, two meals a day were not easily available, but today hundreds of people enjoy themselves at the table at all times, full and in abundance.

Being ready to hold someone accountable at all times has become our first habit. We do not see all the habits and shortcomings that have become a part of our existence within ourselves. We do not even realize the level we have reached morally, and we do not feel any regret in broadcasting the slightest and small mistake or action of another to the world. We are busy day and night in finding the first flaw in others and then correcting it. We do not take long to tarnish the honor of another and do not feel any regret.

The religion we follow and the Prophet we follow does not even allow us to peek into another's house. The aroma of food cooked in your house also teaches us not to reach the neighbor's house, and if this is not possible, it has been emphasized to create a situation where you add some more water to the food while cooking and send it to your neighbor.

When it comes to washing dishes, it can be seen and felt that the vessel is washed from the inside, the cleaning is done from the inside, the vessel is polished from the inside, it is our habit to pour a little water outside and put it aside. In the same way, we have to take care of our internal cleanliness. Cleaning starts from the inside. We have to cleanse our mind from the inside.  The daily dirt must be cleaned daily. This dirt and rust must be cleaned with our eyes closed before going to bed every day. Just as we go out in search of livelihood, we must also take time out in search of goodness. 

We must use our life, our wealth and our time for the convenience of someone else. Every comfort, comfort and peace that we desire can be given to someone else today. Today we have time and resources. It is possible and easy to change our thinking today. Nature has kept peace only in the remembrance of God and if it can be found anywhere else, it is nowhere else but in the service of His servants and this is the shortcut to reach God, rather it is the best bypass in the language of the world. Love for the people who are left behind in the race of life, serve them in any difficulty and the easy way to go to the paradise of the rope. Cleaning should be done inside first. You have to ignite the fire inside yourself and the outside will come out by itself.

The true believer’s effort must be to cleanse the heart daily—through repentance, remembrance of Allah, and service to His creation. For on the Day of Judgment, neither wealth nor children will matter, but only the one who comes before Allah with a pure heart will succeed (Surah Ash-Shu’ara 26:88-89). Therefore, let us strive to polish our inner selves just as we polish our vessels, forgive rather than expose, and serve rather than criticize. May Allah grant us hearts filled with sincerity, compassion, and humility, and make us among those who find peace in His remembrance and closeness to Him. Ameen.