Hadith #1737

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Self-grooming is a characteristic of the believers.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of personal grooming and cleanliness for the believers. The word used in the Hadith for self-grooming is (التَّجَمُلُ) "at-tajammul", which encompasses various aspects such as cleanliness, tidiness, and adorning oneself in a presentable manner.

The significance of self-grooming can be understood by referring to the Quranic verses that highlight the importance of cleanliness and beautification. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:31),

O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.

This verse encourages Muslims to adorn themselves when attending places of worship, which implies the importance of presenting oneself in a clean and presentable manner.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hajj (22:32), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

That [has been commanded], and whoever honors the sacred ordinances of Allah - it is best for him in the sight of his Lord.

This verse emphasizes the importance of honoring the sacred ordinances of Allah, which includes personal grooming and cleanliness as part of one's faith.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of self-grooming as a characteristic of the believers. It serves as a reminder that Muslims should not neglect their physical appearance and cleanliness, as it is an essential aspect of their faith. By taking care of their personal hygiene and appearance, believers demonstrate their respect for themselves, others, and the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Self-grooming has various motivations and consequences. Firstly, it is a means of showing gratitude to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for the physical body and blessings He has bestowed upon us. By keeping ourselves clean and presentable, we acknowledge and appreciate the beauty and perfection of Allah's creation.

Secondly, self-grooming has a positive impact on our interactions with others. When we take care of our appearance, we present ourselves in a respectful and dignified manner. This not only enhances our self-confidence but also leaves a positive impression on those around us. It reflects our commitment to maintaining a high standard of personal hygiene and cleanliness, which is an essential part of our faith.

Moreover, self-grooming is closely linked to the concept of self-discipline and self-respect. By taking the time and effort to groom ourselves, we develop a sense of discipline and self-care. This discipline extends beyond physical appearance and influences other aspects of our lives, such as our habits, manners, and overall character.

On the other hand, neglecting self-grooming can have negative consequences. It may lead to a lack of self-esteem, as one's appearance and hygiene directly affect their self-perception. Additionally, neglecting personal grooming can also impact our relationships with others, as it may give the impression of laziness, lack of self-care, or disregard for social norms.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of self-grooming as a characteristic of the believers. It highlights the significance of cleanliness, tidiness, and presenting oneself in a presentable manner. By taking care of our physical appearance and hygiene, we demonstrate our gratitude to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and enhance our interactions with others. Self-grooming is not only a matter of personal hygiene but also a reflection of our faith and commitment to maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and self-discipline. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all in embodying this characteristic of the believers and grant us success in this life and the hereafter.