Muslims when they go for prayer, have to wash themselves in certain areas. Even if they have had a bath, they have to do this washing before going for prayer. What is its significance? Does it have any spiritual meaning?
Would appreciate if some muslims do answer.
I consider myself a muslim in the Quranic definition, which is that many Prophets and their followres were “muslim” before Muhammad, even tho their religion was not called that. Likewise, the Babi-Baha’i Reelations were a renewal of “islám”
Reflect, also, that baptism in the days of John the Baptist was used to awaken and admonish the people to repent from all sin, and to watch for the appearance of the Kingdom of Christ. But at present in Asia, the Catholics and the Orthodox Church plunge newly born children into water mixed with olive oil, and many of them become ill from the shock; at the time of baptism they struggle and become agitated. In other places, the clergy sprinkle the water of baptism on the forehead. But neither from the first form nor from the second do the children derive any spiritual benefit. Then what result is obtained from this form? Other peoples are amazed and wonder why the infant is plunged into the water, since this is neither the cause of the spiritual awakening of the child, nor of its faith or conversion, but it is only a custom which is followed. In the time of John the Baptist it was not so; no, at first John used to exhort the people, and to guide them to repentance from sin, and to fill them with the desire to await the manifestation of Christ. Whoever received the ablution of baptism, and repented of sins in absolute humility and meekness, would also purify and cleanse his body from outward impurities. With perfect yearning, night and day, he would constantly wait for the manifestation of Christ, and the entrance to the Kingdom of the Spirit of God.[Jsus]
As Christ desired that this institution of John should be used at that time by all, He Himself conformed to it in order to awaken the people and to complete the law of the former religion. Although the ablution of repentance was the institution of John, it was in reality formerly practiced in the religion of God…
But in the cycle of Bahá’u’lláh there is no longer need of this symbol; for its reality, which is to be baptized with the spirit and love of God, is understood and established.(Abdu’l-Baha, Some Answered Questions
Still, to be washed and clean is required.
One of Bahá’u’lláh’s injunctions in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas is immaculate cleanliness. He calls on His followers to become the embodiment of purity among the peoples of the world. Although this commandment of Bahá’u’lláh relates to physical cleanliness, and therefore is conducive to man’s dignity and distinction, it exerts an appreciable influence on his spiritual state. For outward cleanliness is a sign of spiritual purity and liveliness. In every stage of His life, whether in prison or in freedom, 'Abdu’l-Bahá, the Exemplar of the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, lived up to this important teaching. One of His striking features to which friends and foes have paid glowing tribute, was His spotless cleanliness and His outward appearance.(Adib Taherzadeh, The Revelation of Baha’u’llah v 3, p. 363)
The Arabic word “latafah” (like Queen Latifah?), is rendered in Baha’i Writings as “refinement”, has a wide range of meanings with both spiritual and physical
implications, such as elegance, gracefulness, cleanliness, civility, politeness, gentleness, delicacy and graciousness, as well as being subtle, refined, sanctified and pure. (from notes to The Kitab-i-Aqdas, p. 198)
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