The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) liked aromatic
things and perfume, he used them himself and recommended their use to others.
On waking up he would relieve himself, perform Wudhu, and apply fragrance on
his clothing. If fragrance was presented to him, he would never refuse it. He
would use perfume at night too, especially on Fridays for Jumu'ah prayers.
Water is a great gift of Allah (The Exalted). Without it we will not survive.
Humans as well as animals drink water. Both Muslims as well as non-Muslims drink.
Everyone has a different way of drinking. A Muslim's way should be according
to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Hence,
when we drink water or any other liquid in accordance to the Sunnah, our drinking
becomes a rewardable act.
Use of henna (mehndi)
The Shariah (Islamic law) allows women to use henna. Hindh-Binte-'Ukbah (may
Allah be pleased with her) said to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him
and grant him peace), 'I want to take oath to you,' to which the Messenger of
Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied, 'First go and colour
your hands.'
Everyone needs to go to answer the call of nature. All creatures also need
to relieve themselves; however, the Muslims have been given the best etiquettes
for relieving oneself. In Paradise we will not have to relieve ourselves. Instead
we will perspire and even the perspiration will be beautifully scented like
musk.
Food is a great gift from Allah (The Exalted). Within, it has many different
tastes and nourishments to fulfil our need. By eating according to the Sunnah
there will be many blessings. The manners of eating are very important to learn
and perfect since they are repeated many times a day. One must learn how to
eat properly whether eating alone, with family or with friends. To avoid pretences,
you with your family should practice proper eating manners until it becomes
a natural part of your behaviour.
Sleeping is similar to death. That is why sleeping has been linked to death,
and waking with life. When preparing to sleep we should fear that may be our
eyes close and do not open again. This has happened many times ; hence we should
ask Allah (The Exalted) for forgiveness of our sins as it is not good to do
so without.
Natural state
Zaid bin Arqam (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of
Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, 'He who does not
remove bodily hair from below the navel, and does not trim the nails, and does
not trim his moustache, is not one of us.' i.e. it is against our practice.
To apply Surma is a blessed Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless
him and grant him peace). When he would go to sleep at night he would apply
Surma in his blessed eyes. We should also try to practice this Sunnah as we
will gain the reward and benefit in following the Sunnah and the worldly benefits
too.
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would always
keep his body and clothing clean, he would bathe on a regular basis and instruct
the companions to stay clean too. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him
and grant him peace) would clean his blessed nose with his blessed left hand
and wash it with water and with the left hand he would carry his blessed slippers/shoes
too. If anything unclean was on the clothing, it was also washed with the left
hand and the rest of the activities were done with the right hand. When giving
something or taking something he would use his right hand.
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would take
care of his personal appearance. He would apply oil to his hair and beard and
comb it too.
The beard is the Sunnah of all the Prophets (upon them all be peace) and also
the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has emphasised
on the lengthening of the beard so much, to the extent it is necessary (wajib)
to keep a beard.
To wear an Amama is a beautiful Sunnah, especially for Salaah as the reward
is great. Respected brother! Try to practise this Sunnah as there are many virtues
and benefits.