ANALYTICAL STUDY OF THE TEACHINGS OF ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY ON OPEN DEFECATION AND ITS IMPLICATIONS TO HUMAN HEALTH AND SOCIETY

Abstract

Open defecation (OD) remains a major global public health and environmental challenge, imposing significant social, economic, and health burdens on communities worldwide. Despite advances in sanitation infrastructure, millions of people still practice OD, resulting in the spread of diarrheal diseases, stunting in children, helminth infections, and environmental contamination. The research problem addressed in this paper is the persistence of OD despite clear religious injunctions in Islam and Christianity that emphasize cleanliness, privacy, and the prevention of harm. The objective of this paper is to analyze the teachings of Islam and Christianity on sanitation and environmental stewardship, and to integrate them with contemporary
public-health evidence in order to provide faith-informed strategies for eliminating OD. The significance of this study lies in its contribution to both religious scholarship and public-health interventions. By drawing on Qur’anic injunctions (e.g., Qur’an
2:222) and Biblical teachings (e.g., Deuteronomy 23:12–14), as well as prophetic and Christian ethical principles, the study demonstrates how religious values can reinforce scientific efforts toward improved sanitation and societal well-being. Findings indicate, first, that both Islam and Christianity strongly align with modern sanitation principles by promoting cleanliness, privacy, and harm-prevention. Second, faith leaders play a crucial role in influencing community behavior, making religious engagement essential for effective sanitation campaigns. In conclusion, integrating religious teachings with public-health strategies can accelerate the elimination of OD by shaping community norms, enhancing compliance, and fostering holistic well-being. Recommendations include, first, that religious leaders incorporate sanitation messages into sermons and community outreach, thereby linking faith with practical hygiene practices. Second, policymakers and development partners should partner with faith-based institutions to design community-owned sanitation programs that are culturally sensitive and sustainable.