وَثِيَابَكَ فَطَهِّرْ 4
Translations
And your clothing purify.
Transliteration
wa-thiyābaka fa-tahhir
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the Prophet (peace be upon him) to purify his garments, which according to classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari refers to both physical cleanliness of clothing and spiritual purification from idolatry and sin. The command emphasizes the importance of maintaining ritual purity and cleanliness as prerequisites for worship and obedience to Allah, reflecting the Islamic principle that physical cleanliness is an integral part of spiritual devotion.
Revelation Context
This verse appears in the early Meccan surah Al-Muddaththir, revealed after Surah Al-Alaq, as part of Allah's initial commands to the Prophet Muhammad to prepare himself for his prophetic mission. The context follows the command to 'arise and warn' (verse 2), establishing that spiritual preparation—including purification—was foundational to his role as a messenger.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Cleanliness is half of faith' (Sahih Muslim 223). Additionally, Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Prophet would purify himself before prayer and emphasized cleanliness as essential to worship (Sunan Ibn Majah 277).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that physical cleanliness and spiritual purity are inseparable in Islamic practice; Muslims are reminded to maintain cleanliness in both body and garments as an expression of respect for Allah and preparation for worship and service to Him.