The Connection Between Hygiene and Religion, Inner Purity, Outward Beauty And Clean Mind vs. Unlean Body
The Connection Between Hygiene and Religion
Hygiene has played a vital role in religious practices across cultures and traditions. Many religious doctrines incorporate cleanliness as an essential aspect of spiritual purity, morality, and discipline. The idea that physical cleanliness contributes to spiritual well-being is evident in many faiths. This article explores the connection between hygiene and religion in Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism and more.
1. Hygiene in Ultra-Catholicism
In ultra-Catholicism, pleasure is considered a worldly indulgence, and marital sex is viewed strictly as a means of reproduction rather than for enjoyment. Acts of intimacy occur only under the bed sheets, as modesty is paramount. The woman never fully undresses, ensuring that her nakedness is not exposed. Intercourse is carried out mechanically, briefly, and without any unnecessary stimulation. Fresh hygiene, including the washing of intimate parts before intercourse, is intentionally omitted to avoid enhancing the pleasure of the act. This perspective reflects a strict interpretation of bodily purity and discipline, aligning with a belief system that prioritizes spiritual focus over bodily desires. A Victorian era is “a vivid picture” of such customs and marital relationships.
This extreme form of asceticism is also reflected in other aspects of ultra-Catholic life. Some individuals, including monks, deliberately make their food unappetizing by sprinkling ashes on it, ensuring that eating remains a necessity rather than a source of pleasure. This rejection of bodily gratification extends to marital intercourse, which becomes a mirror image of these self-denying practices. The goal is to suppress physical pleasure in favor of spiritual devotion, reinforcing a worldview in which the body is disciplined and controlled to avoid earthly temptations.
2. Hygiene in Ancient Egyptian Beliefs
The ancient Egyptians held the body in the highest esteem, considering it a sacred vessel for the soul. This belief was so deeply ingrained that they developed the art of mummification to preserve the body from aging and decay, ensuring its integrity for the afterlife. Their reverence for the physical form translated into meticulous hygiene practices, as they believed that bodily purity was essential to both earthly life and the divine realm.
To maintain their bodies in an honored state, Egyptians took exceptional care of their cleanliness. They engaged in ritualistic herbal washing, perfumed baths, and even practiced full-body shaving, including the removal of all hair, even pubic hair. These customs were not merely acts of self-care but sacred rituals reflecting their respect for the body as a spiritual conduit. Their commitment to personal hygiene was an extension of their religious devotion, reinforcing the idea that cleanliness was integral to both physical and spiritual well-being.
3. Hygiene Among the Romani People
The Romani people have unique cultural beliefs about cleanliness and purity. Some Romani groups adhere to strict marime laws, which distinguish between pure and impure objects and actions. Their faith defines their cleanliness, and they often consider themselves a “clean and pure” race. Some believe they are spiritually superior and, as a result, refuse to engage in activities perceived as impure, such as taking out the trash. Consequently, their surroundings may appear unclean because they avoid handling waste. While these beliefs stem from a strong sense of purity, they in practice actually bring contradictory results in Romani hygiene practices.
4. Hygiene in Judaism and Christianity
Judaism places a strong emphasis on cleanliness as a means of achieving both physical and spiritual purity. The Torah contains numerous laws regarding hygiene, including handwashing, dietary restrictions, and purification rituals. One of the most well-known practices is netilat yadayim, the ritual washing of hands before meals and prayers. Additionally, Jewish law prescribes mikveh, a ritual bath used for purification in various circumstances, such as after menstruation or before significant religious events. These practices highlight the importance of maintaining cleanliness as an expression of holiness and obedience to God.
Christianity also upholds the value of cleanliness, though it is often viewed symbolically rather than as a strict ritual requirement. In the Old Testament, many of the Jewish purity laws applied, including washing before prayer and avoiding unclean substances. In the New Testament, Jesus emphasized inner purity over external cleanliness, though cleanliness remains a virtue. Baptism, a core Christian sacrament, symbolizes purification from sin and spiritual rebirth. Yet, outward cleansiness is reflection of inner cleasing which happens by faith in the Word of God.
That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. (Ephesians 5:26-27 KJV)
5. Hygiene in Islam, An Intercourse with Dead Corpse
In Islam, cleanliness is considered half of faith (hadith: “Cleanliness is half of faith” – Sahih Muslim). Islamic teachings emphasize both physical and spiritual purity. Before performing the five daily prayers (salah), Muslims must perform wudu, a ritual ablution that involves washing the hands, mouth, nose, face, arms, head, and feet. In cases of major impurity, a full-body purification known as ghusl is required. On the other hand the practice might be quite different exactly because of their beliefs.
Rape Permissible in Islam
Many muslims believe and practice, that it is their right to rape and sexually abuse “infidel” women – or even Muslim women if they are out at night unaccompanied or not wearing a veil. Fatwa 64 from ISIS reveals contains rules on infidel sex slaves. That means that if an infidel woman is ganged-raped there can be no talk of cleanliness and hygiene at all. Islam may outwardly be presented as “pure” religion, but in reality it is inhuman and self-fullfilling religion of lust, impure both in mind and in the body.
Necrophilia and Beastiality (Zoo-philia) is Hallal in Islam, intercourse with dead is ok, only needs to be washed afterwards
Sahih Hadith from Bukhari (Book #23, Hadith #374):
Narrated bin Malik: We were (in the funeral procession) of one of the daughters of the Prophet and he was sitting by the side of the grave. I saw his eyes shedding tears. He said, “Is there anyone among you who did not have sexual relations with his wife last night?” Abu Talha replied in the affirmative. And so the Prophet told him to get down in the grave. And so he got down in her grave.
Book Of Purity Chapter Of Washing – Imgur
ولا يعاد غسل الميت إذا أولج فيه لسقوط تكليفه ولا يجب بوطء الميتة حد ولا مهر
The dead person is not washed again if penetration has been done to him, because his obligation is dropped. There is no punishment or dowry due for intercourse with a dead person.
كان المولج فية حيا او ميتا صغيرا او كبيرا
If the male genitalia completely entered a woman’s behind, or a mans behind or a baheema(animal) from behind or vagina, he must be washed wether it was alive or dead, young or old
6. Hygiene in Hinduism (and similarly in Buddhism)
Hinduism integrates hygiene deeply into its spiritual and daily practices, extending beyond mere physical cleanliness to a profound pursuit of spiritual purity. Ritual bathing, especially in sacred rivers such as the Ganges, is considered a means of purifying both the body and soul. Snana (ritual bathing) is performed before prayers, religious ceremonies, and temple visits. Many Hindus also follow strict personal hygiene, including daily baths, handwashing, and maintaining a clean living environment. Additionally, dietary cleanliness is emphasized, with specific guidelines for food preparation and consumption. Hindu scriptures teach that cleanliness leads to sattva (purity and goodness), which is essential for spiritual growth.
However, Hindu beliefs on purity go beyond practical hygiene. In their unwavering commitment to spiritual purification, many Hindus immerse themselves in the waters of the Ganges, believing its sacred currents can cleanse them of sin. This devotion is so profound that they are willing to submerge in Ganges streams even amid floating human remains from burial rituals. Their desire for spiritual purity often blinds them to the presence of human waste, excrement, dead bodies, and city sewage that flow into the river. This paradox highlights a central principle in Hindu spirituality: that divine purification transcends physical impurity, reinforcing faith in the sanctity of sacred waters despite external conditions.
Wrap It Up
Hygiene and religion are closely intertwined, reflecting a shared belief that cleanliness enhances both physical health and spiritual well-being. Whether through ritual washing, dietary laws, or personal cleanliness, religious traditions emphasize the importance of purity as a path to a disciplined and holy life. These teachings continue to influence cultures and societies worldwide, reinforcing the idea that cleanliness is not just a physical act but a spiritual practice. Or rather, the spiritual practice dictates the psysical act.
Source:
Sexual intercourse with dead bodies is ok in Islam and is religiously permissible
https://www.dw.com/en/islamic-state-releases-fatwa-for-male-owners-of-women-slaves/a-18950434
https://www.reuters.com/article/world/exclusive-islamic-state-ruling-aims-to-settle-who-can-have-sex-with-female-slav-idUSKBN0UC0AN/
