FIQH 01-06: The Fitrah and Its Practical Aspects in Islam | Shaykh Assim Al-Hakeem | ZAD Academy Audio | Blogpost by Zayd Haji

By Zayd Haji – Student at ZAD Academy

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,

In this session of Fiqh Semester 1 - Lecture 6, Shaykh Assim Al-Hakeem explains the concept of Fitrah — the natural disposition with which every human is created. This lecture highlights the spiritual and practical aspects of cleanliness and purity, emphasizing that these actions are both hygienic and acts of worship.

The term Fitrah refers to the pure, innate nature that Allah instilled in all human beings. It inclines every person toward recognizing the Oneness of Allah and doing good deeds. Allah says:

"So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth; [adhere to] the fitrah of Allah upon which He has created [all] people. No change should there be in the creation of Allah. That is the correct religion, but most of the people do not know."

(Surah Ar-Rum 30:30, quran.com/30/30)

This verse confirms that purity and devotion to Allah are embedded in human nature. A believer’s task is to maintain and refine this purity through both beliefs and actions.

Shaykh Assim explains that Fitrah is of two types:

1. Spiritual Fitrah: The inherent inclination to believe in the Oneness of Allah (Tawheed).
2. Practical Fitrah: The natural behaviors that maintain cleanliness, purity, and modesty — essential parts of Islamic practice.

It was narrated that Talq bin Habib said: "Ten things are from the Sunnah: Using the Siwak, trimming the mustache, rinsing the mouth, rinsing the nose, letting the beard grow, trimming the nails, plucking the armpit hairs, circumcision, shaving the pubes and washing one's backside."

Sunan an-Nasa'i 5042

https://sunnah.com/nasai:5042

It was narrated from 'Aishah that: The Messenger of Allah [SAW] said: "Ten things are part of the Fitrah: Trimming the mustache, trimming the nails, washing the joints, letting the beard grow, using the Siwak, rinsing the nose, plucking the armpit hairs, shaving the pubes, and washing with water (after relieving oneself)." Mus'ab bin Shaibah said: "I have forgotten the tenth, unless it was rinsing the mouth."

Sunan an-Nasa'i 5040

https://sunnah.com/nasai:5040

The Prophet ﷺ instructed specific hygienic acts that align with human nature:

• Using the Miswak: A natural tooth-cleaning stick. The Prophet ﷺ said:
• “The siwak is a means of purification for the mouth and pleasing to the Lord.”
• (Sunan an-Nasa’i 5, sunnah.com/nasai:5)
• Trimming the Mustache: It should not exceed the upper lip for cleanliness.
• Growing the Beard: A sign of obedience as the Prophet ﷺ commanded to let the beard grow and trim the mustache.
• (Sahih al-Bukhari 5892, sunnah.com/bukhari:5892)
• Clipping Nails, Plucking Armpit Hair, and Shaving Pubic Hair: Essential for hygiene and modesty. The Prophet ﷺ advised not exceeding forty days without performing these acts.
• (Sahih Muslim 258, sunnah.com/muslim:258)

Islam integrates physical cleanliness with spiritual purity. By following these Sunnah practices, a Muslim maintains not only hygienic health but also strengthens their obedience to Allah. Purifying the body mirrors purifying the soul, reflecting the holistic beauty of Islam.

Conclusion

Shaykh Assim Al-Hakeem concludes that the true believer embraces both aspects of Fitrah — spiritual faith and physical cleanliness — maintaining the purity Allah created us upon. These daily Sunnah practices cultivate discipline, gratitude, and closeness to Allah.