Purifying

Abu Malik at-Ash'ari reported:

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: Cleanliness is half of faith and al-Hamdu Lillah (all praise and gratitude is for Allah alone) fills the scale, and Subhan Allah (Glory be to Allah) and al-Hamdu Lillah fill up what is between the heavens and the earth, and prayer is a light, and charity is proof (of one's faith) and endurance is a brightness and the Holy Qur'an is a proof on your behalf or against you. All men go out early in the morning and sell themselves, thereby setting themselves free or destroying themselves.

[Sahih Muslim 223}

Its important to know that cleanliness is important and Allah loves those who are clean. But purification is not just about cleaning the exterior of the body, but equally as important to purifying the inner self, from bad habits; whether that be untruthful, hurtful or excessively loud speak; maybe using the hands and feet in a way other than that which is pleasing to Allah. 

Many of us may mistakenly associate the word 'purify' solely with cleanliness, a valid interpretation. However, a deeper form of purification extends beyond the external, delving profoundly within us. We might have performed wudhu/ghusl and achieved a state of outer purity, yet overlooked the essential work required for our inner self.

It is also very important to consider our thoughts; if one's thoughts are positive and their initial intentions are good, it will lead to positive outcomes. Conversely, if one's thoughts are negative or uncertain, their true intentions may reflect these characteristics. We should therefore be aware of our thoughts and intentions, scrutinising them to ensure they align with pleasing Allah and the sincerity within them.

It is important to have optimism and to think positively about Allah SWT and our Prophet Muhammad PBUH.

The foundational teaching of the Quran and an important mission of Prophet Muhammad PBUH was purification of the soul.

"Indeed, he has succeeded who purifies it, and indeed,  he has failed who instills it [with corruption]."

(Quran. Surah Ash-Shams 91, verses 9-10)

It is He who has sent among the unlettered [Arabs] a Messenger from themselves reciting to them His verses and purifying them and teaching them the Book [i.e., the Qur’ān] and wisdom [i.e., the sunnah] - although they were before in clear error - and [to] others of then who have not yet joined them. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise."

(Quran. Surah Al-Jumu'ah 62, verses 2-3)

Remembering Allah is a means of purifying one's soul, by keeping Him in mind in all aspects of life.