Lesson 17
Dressing
Islam places great importance on personal grooming by encouraging Muslims to present themselves well through neat clothing, well-kept hair, and the use of perfume.
Sayyiduna Sahl Ibnul Hanzaliyyah (radiyallahu’anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam) said:
“You are on your way to meet your brothers. Don a good dress and tidy up your conveyance so that you appear distinct among people as a beauty spot (on a body). Allah Ta’ala does not like indecency in manner and conduct [or dressing].”
(Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith: 4084)
After citing this Hadith, Shaykh ‘Abdul Fattah Abu Ghuddah (rahimahullah) comments:
Therefore, it is important that a Muslim be recognised by his excellent attire, his befitting manner, and an appearance that is appealing.”
(Islamic Manners, pg.17)
White Clothing and Tidy Hair
Hazrat Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar (rahimahullah) always ensured to dress neatly. Throughout his life as an ‘Alim, he only wore white since the Hadith states:
“Wear white, for it is purer and better. Also enshroud your deceased in white.”
(Sunan Tirmidhiy, Hadith: 2810)
He always ensured that his clothes were clean and neat in addition to ensuring to comb his hair and beard. In fact, Hazrat Mawlana (rahimahullah) never left his home without a comb in his pocket, as is reported to be the habit of our Nabiy (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam).
(Refer: Fathul Bari, Hadith: 5924)
In fact, Imam Ghazaliy (rahimahullah) has labelled this as the “Sunnah of the Arabs” i.e, their habit of carrying specific items like a comb in their pockets.
(Sharhul Ihya, vol.2 pg.395)
On one occasion, Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam) saw a man with unkempt and dishevelled hair on his head and beard. Nabiy (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) gestured for him to groom himself whilst expressing his disapproval by labelling the unkempt appearance as “that of Shaytan,” and thus unbecoming of a Muslim.
(Muwatta Imam Malik, Hadith: 3494. Also see Fathul Bari, Hadith: 5924)
In another Hadith Nabiy (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said:
“Those who have hair should honour it.” [i.e., keep it tidy and oil it etc.].
(Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith: 4160. Also see Fathul Bari, Hadith: 5926)
Hazrat Mawlana Haroon Saheb (rahimahullah) often oiled his head, even though he preferred to keep his hair short. He also made a habit of removing unwanted facial hair twice a week.
Perfume
Another important aspect of the Islamic dress code is the use of [permissible] perfume. Our Nabiy (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) always smelt delightful and pleasant. He never declined perfume when offered and instructed the Ummah with the same.
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 3561 and 5929, with Fathul Bari)
Hazrat Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar (rahimahullah) routinely applied fragrance (‘itr) before leaving home or attending a gathering, and would ensure to carry a bottle of ‘itr in his pocket. His habit was to first dab the ‘itr onto the tips of three fingers before anointing his body/clothes. At times, to develop a stronger and more lasting fragrance, he would soak a small piece of cotton wool in the ‘itr and tuck it into the curve of his ear.
The emphasis Islam places on a pleasant fragrance is evident from the fact that Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) dedicated over ten chapters to the subject in various parts of his famous “Sahih”.
Over the years, Hazrat’s favourite fragrances changed from Istanbuli Gulab (Istanbul rose) to Fawakih, Zorium (a strong fragrance from the Reunion Islands), and finally [during the last twenty years of his life] to Oud.
The Appeal of the Sunnah
Following the above teachings of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) enables one to be presentable and well-received by others whilst not being considered ostentatious. A tidy appearance commands more respect and breeds mutual affection.
Shaykh ‘Abdul Fattah Abu Ghuddah (rahimahullah) writes:
If you are travelling to visit someone or if you are about to receive guests, whether those in question are your parents, relatives, peers or friends of a different age, make sure that your hands, feet and socks are clean, and your appearance and clothing are neat. Also ensure that your attire befits the occasion and the one you are meeting, because cleanliness and an appearance which is orderly and harmonious bring pleasure to the eye. Never undermine the importance of your appearance for that would certainly mar the pleasure of the meeting, while dulling the enjoyment of those you meet.
(Islamic Manners, pg.55)
May Allah Ta’ala bless the soul of Hazrat Moulana Haroon saheb (rahimahullah) and enable us to be more particular about this salient part of the Mubarak Sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam).
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