For the Islamic Prayer, physical purification(ablution) is a necessary prequisite. ablution is washing off parts of the body (like hand, feet, face, nostrils etc) which are commonly exposed to dust and dirt. Since five daily Prayers are obligatory upon every Muslim, ablution ( and therefore cleanliness) becomes a very important part of a Muslim's life.
The Prophet(pbuh) says: "When you perform ablution, make sure that the water goes in between the fingers of your hands and your feet" (Hadith, Al-Tirmithi).
The Prophet adviced the Muslims the importance of having a pleasant appearance. The prophet also told Muslims not to eat garlic, onion, or such kind of food, before going to the mosque in order not to disturb others beucause of the odor. The Prophet (pbuh) also advised brushing thr teeth before every ablution. Apart from body, a Muslim must keep his clothes, houses and streets clean.
In the Quran, there are a number of verses which emphasise the importance of cleanliness: "For Allah(God) loves those who turn to Him constantly and He loves those who keep themselves pure and clean." (Quran 2/222). "In it(mosque) are men who love to be purified; and Allah(God) loveth those who make themselves pure." (Quran 9/108)
Hair should be combed to allow the air to penetrate through it and combing hair helps activate blood circulation to help one's hair grow and become healthy. Once a man came to the Prophet (pbuh) with dishevelled hair and a matted beard. The Prophet (pbuh) said: "Could not this man find something with which to arrange his hair?" (Hadith, Ahmed). The Prophet (pbuh) also said: "Whoever has hair, should take good care of it" (Hadith, Abu Dawood).
(pbuh) = peace be upon him
