Why do Muslims take off their shoes?

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Why do Muslims take off their shoes?

It is a custom for everyone all over the world to remove shoes before we enter into our house. Mostly people follow this custom and few might have the habit of using shoes even inside the house for some health reasons. They have the sandals specially used inside the house. The shoes that were used while roaming outside on the roads must not be used inside the house as it brings dust inside. Shoes are generally used to protect our toes from contact with the dirt on the roads. As it is obvious that the shoes are filled with dirt they are avoided to be used inside the house. Not only it is unhygienic to wear shoes inside the house, it is considered as a mark of disrespect to use shoes inside the house. If it is considered not respectful to use shoes in the house, it would be definitely disrespectful to use them in temples where we go to bow before the supreme authority.

The mosque or church or temple is a holy place where we perform prayers to the Almighty. In any religion, temple or mosque is a place where we bow before the idol of almighty recalling and respecting our religious beliefs, traditions, and sentiments. In the case of Mosques though there is no idol worship, Muslims pray in the mosque by turning towards Mecca and pay their respects to their God ‘Allah,. So Muslims consider the Mosque as the place of worship which is sacred. Any pious Muslim will be particular about removing the shoes before they enter Mosque as they are devoted to their Lord and want to respect Him. Not only Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and almost people of all religions will remove their shoes while they pray to God. Removing the footwear before entering the temple or Mosque is humility shown by the devotee towards the Lord. Not only removing the shoes, even wearing clean clothes and keeping the body clean is also important for Muslims while they pray.

Author: Hari M

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One Response

  1. mr marsala

    April 14, 2012 4:45 pm

    For religious legality you can reference: Holy Quran 20:12 “Verily I am thy Lord! therefore (in My presence) put off thy shoes: thou art in the sacred valley Tuwa; or Bible’s Exodus 3:5 “Do not come any closer,” God said to Moses, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”

    Muslims have a concept of “Najace” which is religious impurities (urine, feces, dog hair, etc.). One entering the main prayer area must be assured no impure properties are introduced. Taking off one’s shoes is mandatory as a starting point.

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