Paradise Under Your Feet — Page 49
Chapter 3: Toddler and Preschool Years 49 Cleanliness The Holy Prophet (saw) is reported to have said: “ Cleanliness is half of faith. ” 3. 6 The habit of cleanliness definitely should be taught at an early age because it has a direct connection not only to the child ’ s own health and hygiene, but also to his mind. Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih II (ra) says: “ How can you look after the inner cleanliness of the child if you do not look after its external cleanliness? Let the child have a clean body. Its impact on his mind will be great. As a consequence, the child will come to have a clean mind and will become immune to sins which are caused by uncleanliness. ” 3. 7 The first step to cleanliness is personal hygiene. A child that has been kept clean from the time of infancy will automatically develop this habit. Especially important is cleaning the child after passing of urine or a stool. Although diapers are very absorbent these days, and keep babies ’ skin quite dry, it is important to wash the child as much as possible, so that there is less danger of the child developing a rash or getting a bladder infection. As the child grows older, this will also generate the habit of cleaning oneself after using the toilet. Since cleanliness is so important, children can learn from a young age about how important it is to wash hands frequently, brush their teeth regularly and always be clean. Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih II (ra) also stressed the importance of regularity in a child ’ s routine, and especially regularity in bowel movements. He advised that a child should be helped to form the habit of relieving nature at regular hours because in this way, the