Life Events
of the mouth . Hygiene , in general , is extremely important in Islam ; this includes oral hygiene as indicated in the above hadith . It is narrated that the Prophet ( SAW ) would use siwak upon waking and throughout the day . The teeth are delicate and when dental problems occur it can cause tremendous amounts of pain ; this Sunnah introduces preventative measures against this and encourages proper oral hygiene . Siwak can be easily found today and is relatively inexpensive , making it an easy Sunnah to uphold . Abdur-Rahman bin Abu ‘ Atiq said : “ My father told me : ‘ I heard ‘ Aishah say , ( narrating ) from the Prophet ( SAW ): “ Siwak is a means of purification for the mouth and is pleasing to the Lord .” [ Sunan an-Nasa ’ i ]
Oiling Hair I heard Jabir bin Samurah being asked about the grey hairs of the Prophet ( SAW ). He said : “ If he put oil on his head they could not be seen , but if he did not put oil on his head , they could be seen .” [ An-Nasai ] Oiling is something many of us may not think of as a Sunnah act , however , this hadith alludes to the idea of using oil to prevent grey hairs from being visible . Highlighting that the Sunnah of the Prophet ( SAW ) encompasses every aspect of life we can appreciate that this act is also of the Sunnah . Oiling hair on a regular basis also prevents hair loss and greying , promotes strong and lustrous hair by strengthening hair protein and rejuvenates and relaxes the mind by soothing the brain ’ s nerves and capillaries . We seek all this by spending a great deal of money at hairdressers and spas , yet this simple Sunnah can save us a great deal of money , time and effort whilst we continue to live like our beloved Prophet ( SAW ).
Maintaining the 1 / 3rd rule when eating Miqdam bin Madikarib said : “ I heard the Messenger of Allah ( SAW ) say : ‘ A human being fills no worse vessel than his stomach . It is sufficient for a human being to eat a few mouthfuls to keep his spine straight . But if he must ( fill it ) then one-third of food , one third for drink and one third for air .’” [ Ibn Majah ]
It is an underestimated fact that food has a dramatic effect on your body ’ s and brain ’ s performance . This hadith clearly highlights that overeating is a reprehensible quality we should stay away from . However , it is also important to remember that eating a proper meal is also extremely important . In order to function , we need to have a balanced meal ; your quantity and type of food consumption should not leave you feeling tired or bloated as this is a state that leads to laziness , which is a vice we seek refuge in Allah ( SWT ) from . Instead , we should consume foods that give us energy and are beneficial to our bodies and mind . This Sunnah may take some time to master but it costs us nothing and will help keep our body and minds healthy and energetic .
Speaking good or keeping silent The prophet ( SAW ) said : “ He who believes in Allah and the Hereafter if he witnesses any matter he should talk in good terms about it or keep quiet .” [ Muslim ] We often find ourselves in situations where we sit and talk about things that do not concern us . We waste precious minutes , even hours , just by talking about matters that will not increase us in knowledge , character or anything for that matter . When speaking ill of a person or situation , the conversation becomes elongated , sadly due to the desire to gossip . The beauty of this particular sunnah is that it will help you save time and reduce the amount of energy used to contemplate over irrelevant matters being discussed . This energy and time could be well spent on something beneficial , such as reading Qur ’ an or doing vital tasks , or only speaking things that benefit oneself and others in Dunya ( this life ) and Akhirah ( the hereafter ).
Doing hijama ( cupping ) The Prophet ( SAW ) said : “ If there is any healing in your medicines , then it is in cupping , a gulp of honey or branding with fire ( cauterization ) that suits the ailment , but I don ’ t like to be ( cauterized ) branded with fire .” [ Bukhari ] The Prophet ( SAW ) would be cupped on a regular basis . This form of treatment has been used throughout history because of its significant benefits to the body . The benefits of cupping are vast , including the removal of toxins from the blood . Studies have shown cupping to be beneficial in the treatment of migraines , fertility and joint pains . This can be taken as a therapeutic measure against stress , helping to relieve a person of thoughts that impinge on their ability to complete their daily tasks . This sunnah can be very beneficial to those with chronic ailments , it is relatively inexpensive but is also an investment in your health . Its schedule can be done based on your budget so that does not become a burden on you financially .
Visiting the sick The Prophet ( SAW ) said : “ Fed the hungry , visit the sick and set free the captives .” [ Bukhari ] The concept of looking out for others is found throughout the teachings of the Prophet ( SAW ). Sadly , we are regularly aware of people within our circle of acquaintances who are tested with an illness , big or small and too often do little with this awareness . Visiting and spending time with them has two major benefits ; you demonstrate love towards another , instantly tightening the bonds of kinship / friendship and seeing someone who is unable to function as well as they normally can , is a strong reminder to us all of the blessing of health that we currently have and generally take for granted . The next time you hear of someone who is ill , try your best to go beyond sending them ‘ well wishes ’ and practice a forgotten sunnah : make the effort to be physically present and comfort them .
Sitting when eating / drinking It was narrated from Anas ( RA ): “ The Prophet ( SAW ) prohibited that a man should drink while standing .” ( Qatadah said ) So it was said : “ And eating ?” He ( Anas ) said : “ That is worse .” [ Tirmidhi ] Those who stand to eat or drink always look like they are in a rush . Sitting down to eat slows a person in their eating habits , reducing the amount they are likely to eat and the unhealthy speed by which they do so . Slowing your eating has many benefits including , aiding your digestion causing less fatigue , as well as slowing or calming your mind allowing it to rest for a few minutes before resuming your activities . As mentioned above , eating consciously prevents a person from becoming fatigued , more importantly , eating together as a family or with friends , which requires you to sit , is a crucial way to build relationships .
Sleeping on your right side “ When Allah ’ s Messenger ( SAW ) went to bed , he used to sleep on
32 | Ihsaan | Issue 3