fbpx
28 Sep 2023

Being well dressed and groomed is Sunnah

Being well dressed and groomed is Sunnah

Share

Being well dressed and groomed is Sunnah

Islam promotes and emphasises this etiquette in order to improve the Muslim personality and promote social harmony. It goes without saying that emulating such manners and values improves personal style and attributes, refines personality, and brings us closer to others’ hearts and thoughts.

Islam, its intentions, and its goals are all centred on forthcoming manners and etiquette. The term “etiquette” does not imply that it is unimportant in everyday life or social interactions. It does not imply that Muslims have the option of disobeying this code of conduct, or that adhering to it is simply preferred.

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

You are on your way to meet your brothers, wear handsome garb and make right your riding so you appear distinct among people as a fleck [on a beautiful face]. Allah does not like roughness nor rough manners.

Washing And Cleanliness

The Sunnah requires that one uses perfume on a regular basis. According to Al-Bukhari, Salman Al-Farsi said:

Allah will forgive the sins of the past week for he who on Friday will take a bath, cleanse himself, put on his regular perfume or any perfume available in house. Then, he goes out to Jummah prayer and does not try to separate two friends. Then he prays wherever he could and listens to the Imam.

If the body begins to get odorous a day or two before Friday, it is not necessary to wait until Friday to cleanse it. To maintain ourselves clean and fresh, we should wash our bodies as soon as they demand it.

Arriving After A Long Journey

If you’re going to see someone or expecting visitors, whether they’re your parents, relatives, peers, or pals of a different generation, make sure your hands, feet, and socks are clean, and your appearance and clothing are neat. Never overlook or undervalue the importance of your appearance, as this will undoubtedly detract from the pleasure of the encounter while also dulling the enjoyment of others you meet.

In this regard, the Prophet (PBUH) directed his companions upon returning from a journey:

You are returning to your brethren, dress well, and sort out your rides so that you may become a beauty mark among people, for Allah does not like sloppiness or acting in a sloppy way.

Bring some gifts for people who will be receiving you, and do the same for your visitors. Always be ready to return the favour with a proper present. For many years, the subtle thrill of seeing your loved ones will be vividly remembered. A gift, no matter how insignificant, will substantially enhance the pleasure of such an encounter. 

Our Muslim forefathers used to leave a gift for their hosts, which could have been as symbolic as an Arak stick.

When you’re among family and friends, you must dress appropriately.

Even among friends and relatives, it’s important to look your best. When visiting your parents, a religious figure, an elder, or even a relative or a friend, dress appropriately. Your outfit should be neat and elegant, not shabby or unattractive. What we perceive either attracts or repels us. If you dress nicely and smell good, you will be attractive to others, who will be drawn to you and enjoy your company. Even if you were a relative or friend, if you were the opposite, people would look down on you. In addition to being in an Islamic manner, looking well while visiting or being visited is an inherent trait.

Imam Bukhari in his book, Al-Adab Al-Mufrad reported that the great follower Abi Al-’Alia Al-Riahi Al-Basri said:

Muslims were at their best when visiting each other.

Al-Hafez Al-Haithami in Majmu’ Al-Zawa’id (1:169) reported that Thabet Al-Banani, the student of Imam Anas bin Malik said:

When I used to visit Anas, he would call for perfume and run it along his cheeks.

As a result, if you were visited at home while dressed informally, as happens occasionally, you should change for your visitor. This will increase his admiration for you and complement your graciousness. It is, after all, the early Muslim etiquette.

Share this post: