Egypt seems to have a major litter problem. Two weeks ago we went on a tour to the Citadal of Saladin and to some churches in Old Cairo. Cairo is a mixed city with Muslims and Christians living together as well as a small number of Jews. We visited the Church of the Hanging Mary and Ben Ezra Synagogue. I was appaled to see so much litter outside the Synagogue and a couple of crisp packets flying around the church courtyard.
Cleanliness is a major part of Islam, as mentioned in the hadith 'cleanliness is half of faith' and the following ayah:
Truly, God loves those who turn unto Him in repentance and loves those who purify themselves (2:222).
This extends to more than just your body, because if you keep your body clean than you should keep the area around you and wherever you go clean. You wouldn't after making wudu', go and pray in an area that was unclean.
As the Prophet (SAW) " The whole earth has been made a mosque for me". So everywhere you go must be kept clean. Just like we expect when Muslims and Non-muslims visit a Mosque that they respect us, take off their shoes upon entering the prayer area and not to litter, then we too should sanctify thier places of worship. We have a long way to go in areas of pollution and waste. At the very least, we should be teaching our children to respect the earth that we live on and to not litter.
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