By Mustafa Makumba

Islam places emphasis on hygiene and cleanliness. It considers them integral to spiritual and social well-being. As the Quran emphatically states, “Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves” (Quran 2:222). However, recent events in Malawi, where several mega shops were closed due to unhygienic practices, serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to prioritize cleanliness in both personal and public spaces.

Cleanliness is not just a personal matter in Islam but it is a divine obligation. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Cleanliness is half of faith” (Muslim). This statement underscores how important hygiene is to a person’s life. The Prophet’s (peace be upon him) own practices, such as frequent use of the Miswak (a natural toothbrush), regular ablution, and maintaining clean attire, pose as a good example to this principle.

Furthermore, Islam extends the concept of cleanliness beyond the individual to include communal and environmental hygiene. The Quran instructs believers to maintain purity in their surroundings, thereby highlighting that cleanliness fosters physical health and spiritual well-being.

In recent months, Malawi has witnessed the closure of several mega shops due to unsanitary conditions. Authorities found violations such as poor waste management, contamination of food products, and unclean working environments. These closures have raised concerns about public health risks, consumer trust, and the broader economic implications of neglecting hygiene standards.

This situation highlights the need for businesses to take cleanliness seriously as a regulatory requirement but also as a moral responsibility to their customers and society.

Islamic teachings emphasize fairness, justice, and accountability in trade and commerce. The Quran states, “And do not withhold from the people the things that are their due, and do not commit abuse on the earth, spreading corruption” (Quran 11:85). Businesses have a duty to ensure their practices align with these ethical principles, which include maintaining clean and safe environments for consumers.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also warned against harmful practices, saying, “There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm” (Ibn Majah). This Hadith directly applies to the need for businesses to safeguard public health by adhering to hygiene standards.

There are several key business practices that are advised to be taken into consideration by all players in the business arena. Conducting regular cleanliness audits, maintaining strict adherence to health regulations, training employees on hygiene best practices and investing in proper waste disposal and sanitation facilities are some of the key issues businesses should strive to adopt,  ensuring they maintain and improve hygiene in their businesses.

As much as businesses exist to make a living through profit maximization, health of their customers and other stakeholders should always be paramount.