subject: Cleanliness Is Next To Godliness Or Cleanliness [print this page] There is no doubt about the saying that Cleanliness is next to Godliness. It is also true that the Almighty is a pure entity. He is above hate, anger, revenge and rampant corruption which influence the modern world. They have chalked out various paths and methods by which mankind can become pure. One of these paths is through the process of cleanliness-both physical and spiritual. All the religions of the world demand that we should keep our surroundings clean before we proceed on to the path of worship.
There is also a scientific truth in observing cleanliness. Next and clean surroundings give us good health and clarity of thought. A person is able to concentrate only when the area surrounding him is neat and clean. Cleanliness checks the birth and multiplication of disease carrying germs. China released this. Other nations laughed at this drive. But soon in China people learnt the value of cleanliness. From villages to cities cleanliness was observed both in word and deed. As a result of it there are fewer cases of illness. Diseases were reduced to a great extent. Dirt and garbage give a breeding place for all sorts of infections and fatal diseases. It is because of the cleanliness movement.
A great percentage of our population lives below the poverty line. Slums in metropolitan areas are inhabited by these poor people, most of who have migrated from villages. Unable to earn a decent mean of living, they live in huts having no proper sanitation or drinking water.
The uneducated people need to be instructed in civics and cleaning surroundings. Cleanliness of body leads to the cleanliness of mind, and thereby to the soul. Governments and administrative divisions should engage themselves more seriously and bring to book those who are responsible for littering up the public places.
Just as light is a symbol of truth and goodness, and darkness of ignorance and evil, so dirt is a symbol of moral evil and cleanliness of moral purity. Sin is dirt; and in all religions the sinner prays to God for cleaning.
On the other hand we see an unclean place gives rise to various infections and diseases. An ill person is an unhealthy and unhappy person. He has to spend much money and time to become well once again. Finally, it can be said if a nation wants to prosper, it should keep its villages, towns and cities fully clean. It is only through cleanliness that one comes closer of God.
