Muslim viewpoint

Islam places great emphasis on cleanliness, in both its physical and spiritual aspects.

On the physical side, Islam requires the Muslim to clean his body, his clothes, his house, and the whole community, and he is rewarded by God for doing so.

It is therefore important to make sure that a Muslim child is clean because as in the case of many faiths, but Islam in particular, ‘cleanliness is next to godliness’.

Hands and arms up to the elbow should be clean before touching the Qur’an, praying or eating.

Also face and feet need to be kept clean if at all possible.

Opportunities to pray should be made available if required.

When children are travelling it is understood that prayer times cannot always be strictly observed.

When children are sick they cannot always be as clean as one would wish.

Girls generally should not show their legs, arms or uncovered heads and so an awareness of this fact will help to maintain their cultural integrity.

Ointments or medicines should not contain animal fats and should be halal for Muslim children.

During PE or changing sessions the fact that Muslim boys are circumcised may be an issue for other boys and therefore need some explanation.

Further information

Community Participation Officer

Children and Young People’s Service
Tel 020 8489 3884
Email faith@haringey.gov.uk