The home is the place in which an individual protects himself from the elements and in which he finds freedom from the restrictions and pressures of society. It is a place of rest for the body and relaxation for the mind. That is why Allah Ta'ala, in mentioning His favors to His servants, says: And Allah has made for you in your houses, places of rest.... (16:80)

The Prophet (peace be on him) loved spaciousness in the home and considered it as an element conducive to happiness in this life, saying, Happiness has four elements: a good wife, a spacious house, a good neighbor, and a comfortable riding beast. (Reported by Ibn Habban in his Sahih.) He often used to pray fervently, "Our Lord, forgive me my sin, make my house spacious, and bless me in my sustenance." He was asked, "O Messenger of Allah, why do you supplicate so often in these words?" He replied, "Is anything left out?" (Reported by al-Nisai and Ibn al-Sunni with a sound chain of transmitters.)

The Prophet (peace be on him) urged people to keep their houses clean as a vital expression of Islam, which is a religion of cleanliness. Cleanliness is a distinctive characteristic of a Muslim. The Messenger of Allah (peace be on him) said, Assuredly, Allah Ta'ala is good and loves goodness, is clean and loves cleanliness, is generous and loves generosity, is hospitable and loves hospitality. So keep your rooms and courtyards clean, and do not be like the Jews. (Reported by al-Tirmidhi.)

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