A Friendly Reminder: Keep Clean for the Masjid, Please

Assalamualaikum my brothers and sisters, may Allah bless you all. Just a quick reminder from your brother here to try and not come to the masjid smelling bad - it really affects people’s concentration in prayer. If you’ve eaten strong-smelling foods like onions or garlic, please avoid attending congregational prayer right after; the Prophet (peace be upon him) advised that those who’ve eaten garlic or onion keep away from the people. I once prayed next to someone who kept burping garlic during prayer and it ruined my khushoo. Also, dry your feet well after wudu. Damp feet can soak into the carpet and socks and cause that strong smell some masajid get. And when washing your feet, don’t keep your slippers on under the tap - some brothers do that and it just wets the slippers and makes it worse, plus putting water over the foot properly is what counts for wudu. A simple, easy way to help is to bring air freshener or bukhoor for the masjid - you’ll earn reward and make the space more pleasant. Please wear deodorant - you can get an inexpensive one and it should be as normal as washing your hands before eating. Brothers, if you have perfume, consider wearing a light, appropriate scent to the masjid; sisters should avoid noticeable perfumes outside but deodorant is fine for them too. If you’re cooking strong or oily foods, run a fan and keep doors closed so the smell doesn’t cling to your clothes. If you realize you smell of food, change clothes before coming. On Jumu'ah, before taraweeh, or whenever possible, take a shower - this is the House of Allah, so let’s show respect and consideration for others. And please take care of oral hygiene: brush, floss, scrape your tongue, use mints if needed to avoid bad breath after things like toum or biryani. Cleanliness is half of faith - it shouldn’t just be for the masjid, but for every day. I’m tired of seeing bad hygiene give Islam and Muslims a poor image. Let’s start showing respect for the masjid and for our fellow worshippers so we represent our deen well.