Perfuming and the use of perfumes in Islamic culture have deep roots dating back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. Perfumes are not just a way to improve personal scent; Rather, it is linked to many religious, social and moral values. In this article, we will review the importance of wearing perfume in the time of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and its impact on Islamic society at that time.
Perfuming in the Sunnah of the Prophet
The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, loved perfume and encouraged its use. The companion Anas bin Malik, may God be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet, peace and blessings of God be upon him, said: “Women and perfume have become beloved to me from your world, and I have made the comfort of my eye in prayer” (Narrated by Al-Nasa’i). This hadith reflects how much the Prophet, peace be upon him, loved perfumes and used them as part of his daily life.
The religious and moral aspect
- Perfuming as an act of worship: Perfuming in Islam is not just a social custom, but rather it is part of the purity and cleanliness that Islam encourages. The Prophet, peace and blessings of God be upon him, said: “Whoever performs ablution and performs it well, then comes to the Friday prayer and listens and listens, his sins between that period and the next Friday and the additional three days will be forgiven, and whoever touches pebbles has negligently done so” (Narrated by Muslim). The Prophet, peace and blessings of God be upon him, used to perfume himself before going to the mosque, and this indicates the importance of applying perfume as part of the preparation for worship.
- Perfuming yourself during prayer and Friday prayer: Perfuming yourself before prayer, especially Friday prayer, was one of the Sunnahs encouraged by the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. The Prophet, peace and blessings of God be upon him, said: “If it is Friday, then the man should wash himself and the woman should wash himself, and he should apply any perfume he finds” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari). Perfuming yourself before going to the mosque reflects a person’s respect for the House of God and enhances spirituality and interconnectedness among worshipers.
- Applying perfume on joyful occasions: The Prophet, peace and blessings of God be upon him, encouraged the use of perfume on joyful occasions such as holidays and marriage. The Prophet, peace and blessings of God be upon him, said: “This is a holiday that God has made for Muslims. Whoever comes to Friday should wash himself, and if he has any perfume, let him touch it and use the siwak” (Narrated by Ibn Majah). Using perfume on these occasions reflects joy and celebration and increases the beauty of special moments.
Perfuming and social interaction
- Show respect and appreciation: Using perfume was a way to show respect and appreciation to others. The Prophet, peace and blessings of God be upon him, used to perfume himself when receiving guests and visitors, which reflects the importance of cleanliness and good smell in social relationships. The Prophet, peace and blessings of God be upon him, said: “Whoever is offered perfume, should not reject it, for he is light-bearing and has a pleasant scent” (Narrated by Muslim).
- Promoting familiarity and love: Good smells help create a comfortable and loving environment, which enhances familiarity and love between people. The Prophet, peace and blessings of God be upon him, used perfume to create an atmosphere of comfort and reassurance to those around him, thus enhancing social cohesion and love among Muslims.
Perfuming and mental health
- The effect of scents on mood: Pleasant scents have a positive effect on mood and psychological state. The use of perfume helped the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and his companions relax and improve their mood, thus enhancing spirituality and daily activity.
- Perfuming as a way to relieve anxiety and stress: In the time of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, life was full of challenges and difficulties. Using perfume was a way to relieve stress and anxiety. The Prophet, peace and blessings of God be upon him, said: “Women and perfume have become beloved to me from your world, and I have made prayer the comfort of my eye” (Narrated by Al-Nasa’i). This hadith reflects how perfume was a way to improve the psychological state and get rid of daily stress.
Moisturizing and taking care of the body
- Personal Hygiene: Perfuming was part of personal hygiene encouraged by the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Purity is half of faith” (Narrated by Muslim). Using perfume was a way to promote personal hygiene and maintain good body odor, reflecting concern for cleanliness and health.
- Hair and skin care: Using essential oils was a way to care for hair and skin. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, recommended using natural oils such as olive oil and henna to care for the body and hair, which enhances health and natural beauty.
In the time of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, wearing perfume was not just a social custom, but rather part of the purity and cleanliness encouraged by Islam. The use of perfume reflects a person's respect for self and others, and promotes spirituality and social connectedness. Through the Prophet’s hadiths, we can understand the importance of wearing perfume as part of daily life, and how good scents can positively affect mental and physical health.
The history of perfume in Islamic culture reflects deep moral and religious values, which remain present today. The use of perfume is an expression of beauty, cleanliness and spirituality, and enhances the quality of life and human relationships