With reference to Mr. Dharmapala Senaratnes letter appearing in today's Island in response to Dr. M. T. Reffais letter on the above subject, I would like to add a few more points to show, how much of importance Islam lays as regards cleanliness, not only physical but also moral and spiritual.

1. It is a must in Islam that we wash after answering call of nature

2. That we take a bath in the following situations:

A. Discharge of semen in any circumstances

B. Sexual intercourse

C. Menses

D. Blood discharge after childbirth

4.Prophet (pbuh) had said " Had I not been afraid of overburdening my community, I would have ordered them to brush their teeth for every prayer. (Bukhari)

5. It is also from the tradition of the Prophet (pbuh) to grow the beard but trim the moustache, pluck hair from the armpit and remove pubic hair.

6. One has to purify his/her wealth by paying Zakaath ( 2.5 % alms-tax) annually, otherwise his/her wealth will be considered as contaminated and will be committing a sin of hoarding what is due to others. Holy Quran says "Of their wealth take alms so that you may purify and sanctify them" (Surah 9 verse 103)

Mohamed Zahran
Colombo 3