What Are the Sunnah Benefits of Using Attars?
Imagine ditching the harsh chemicals and non-lasting smells of local fragrances.
Instead, imagine yourself reaching for branded attar, a concentrated perfume with a rich history. An attar that connects you to the Prophet's (PBUH) time and his teachings, makes your worship better, while also adding a touch of graceful sophistication to your social interactions.
Intrigued? Let's get into the nitty-gritty of attars and its importance with regards to the Prophetic Sunnah!
Understanding Attar:
Here’s a typical definition:
“Attar, also known as Itr in Arabic, refers to a fragrant essential oil extracted from flowers, herbs, and other plant sources. The art of perfumery has been an integral part of Islamic culture, with the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself emphasizing the importance of cleanliness and personal hygiene.”
Here’s a little bit of Prophetic insight:
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that: The Prophet [SAW] said: "The perfume for men is that whose scent is apparent while its color is hidden, and the perfume for women is that whose color is apparent, while its scent is hidden."
{Sunan an-Nasa'i 5118}
Sunnah Benefits of Using Attars
While there may not be direct Hadiths specifically mentioning the benefits of Attar, we can infer from various narrations that highlight the significance of using fragrances in Islam. Here are a few examples:
The Fragrance of Prophet SAW:
Hazrat Jabir b. Samura (Radiyallahu Anhu) reported:- “I prayed along with Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) the first prayer. He then went to his family and I also went along with him when he met some children (on the way). He began to pat the cheeks of each one of them. He also patted my cheek and I experienced a coolness or a fragrance of his hand as if it had been brought out from the scent bag of a perfumer.”
The Use of Scents by Prophet SAW:
Hadrat Al-Aswad related that Hadrat ‘A’isha(Radiyallahu Anha) said,- “I used to perfume the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, with the best scent available so that I saw the gleam of the scent on his head and beard.”
Indirect Benefits of Using Attars:
While there may not be a lot of direct Sunnah benefits of using Attars, we can still derive some importance from our history that goes back to the Islamic tradition:1) Boosts Confidence: Wearing Attar can uplift your mood and boost confidence, making you feel more presentable and prepared for social interactions.
1) Creates a Sense of Community: Using Attar can be a way to connect with others, as fragrances can evoke emotions and create a sense of belonging.
1) Promotes Self-Care: Applying Attar can be a form of self-care, helping you relax and sleep well after a long day.
Choosing the Right Attar:
Opting for natural and alcohol-free attars aligns with the spirit of Sunnah, as mentioned earlier. Popular choices include rose, musk, and sandalwood, each offering unique aromatic experiences.
Anas reported: “I never smelt ambergris or musk as fragrant as the fragrance of the body of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and I never touched brocade or silk and found it as soft as the body of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ).”
{Sahih Muslim 2330a}
Fruitful Takeaway:
Attar, imbued with the essence of Sunnah, is more than just a regular fragrance. It reminds the Ummah of the Prophet's (PBUH) teachings, potentially making our each act of worship better, while also promoting the social etiquette. So, the next time you choose your attar, remind yourself of the tradition and let your desired fragrance make your everyday experiences better.
Talking about choosing attars, did you check out Musk Al Mahal’s collection of attars? It’s a must-check.
FAQs:
1) Can Namaz be Offered in Attar?Attars are not alcohol-based. So they can be used for prayers.
2) Which is thought to be the favorite scent of Prophet SAW (PBUH)?
Musk is known as the most loved scents by Prophet (PBUH). It symbolized purity, elegance and nobility as stated in Sunnah.
3) What is the difference between an attar and a perfume?
Attars are made up of natural composition while perfumes are made from chemicals and preservatives.
