Perusing Islamic history, one will find many references to musk, rose, sandalwood, oud, bakhoor, frankincense, myrrh, jasmine, lilies, citrus oils and other fragrances. In fact, perfume was such a favorite of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him*) that he reportedly said, “I was made to love three things in this world: women, perfume (attar), and the comfort of my eye is in prayer.” And several of his companions likened his personal scent to that of ambergris and musk.
Perfumed scents are still used widely throughout the Muslim world to signify special occasions such as weddings and aqiqahs (naming ceremonies for newborn infants), and to enhance the atmosphere in homes, the market place, and at social gatherings. Derived from pure plant oils extracted from flowers, herbs and resins, these perfumes are not diluted by alcohol, which is avoided in Islam but common to western blends. Often, the flowers used to make European perfumes are imported from Egypt or other Muslim countries.
How Are Perfumed Oils and Incense Used by Muslims?
After extraction, the fragrant oils are applied topically, burnt or used to perfume chips of agarwood or other trees. The oils or woodchips were traditionally placed on lit charcoal in a special burner; today, electric burners are often used instead.
Rose water is also very popular in Muslim countries, being used to scent prayer beads (called tasbih or dhikr beads; similar to rosary beads). As the worshipper touches the beads, the air is filled with the smell of rose, recognized as a spiritual scent by Muslims, Christians and Jews alike along with frankincense and myrrh.
Not only are dhikr beads scented, but also prayer rugs, prayer garments, masajid (mosques) and prayer areas in private homes and other places. Creating a heavenly scent does wonders to put one in a contemplative and devout mood.
What Is Aromatherapy?
The concept behind aromatherapy (the science of using essential oils and fragrances as a mood enhancer and to promote physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being) explains the popularity of perfumed oils and incense amongst Muslims as well as worshipers of other faiths.
When different aromas are inhaled, they are converted into electrical impulses and then carried by olfactory receptors located at the roof of the nose to the limbic system in the brain. This is the area of the brain associated with learning, memory, moods and emotions. Pleasant smells are comforting and healing, while unpleasant smells can actually be depressing. The sense of smell is so significant to our overall health and well-being that its loss has been linked to anxiety, depression and a number of other psychiatric problems.
Zakkia Rashad, environmentalist and founder of O’Pen Ministries in Atlanta, GA (an interfaith organization aimed at fostering spiritual guidance in today's world) is an avid burner of perfumed oils and incense. Zakkia sums up their benefit in one short statement: “Fragrant scents are a rapture to the nose as music is to the soul.”
Hence, since ancient times, people have sought out the flowers and plants that produce pleasant-smelling oils in order to perfume their bodies as well as their garments, homes, places of business and places of gathering.
*It is customary in Islam to invoke peace and blessings on Prophet Muhammad and all the prophets when mentioning their names
Resources:
- Darr, Shaheen. “Exploring Arabic Perfumes.” May 2009.
- Farooqi, M.I.H. Medicinal Plants in the Traditions of Prophet Muhammad: Scientific Study of Prophetic Medicine, Food and Perfumes (Aromatics). Sidrah Publications, 2004.
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