If you look at modern beauty and wellness trends, “hair oiling” and “body slugging” are everywhere. But long before these became viral internet trends, the regular application and massage of natural oils (Duhn) was a deeply ingrained, highly beneficial practice in classical Islamic Medicine (Tibb-e-Nabawi).
The Prophet Muhammad (ļ·ŗ) was known for his impeccable personal hygiene and grooming routines, and the strategic use of natural oils was at the center of it. Let’s explore the Prophetic etiquette of oiling, and the specific medicinal oils recommended by classical scholars.
The Prophetic Grooming Routine
Imam Tirmidhi records a beautiful detail about the daily life of the Prophet (ļ·ŗ). Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik (R.A) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ļ·ŗ) used to apply oil to his blessed head abundantly and comb his beard frequently.
Because he used so much nourishing oil, he would often wear a specific piece of cloth under his turban to protect the main fabric from getting stained. The companions lovingly noted that this under-cloth would often look like “the cloth of an oil-seller.”
Classical physicians noted that the physical act of massaging oil into the scalp and body has immense benefits. A warm oil massage after a bath closes the pores, prevents the body from losing essential moisture, promotes deep sleep, and makes the skin and hair incredibly soft and radiant. It was even prescribed as a protective barrier during outbreaks of illnesses like measles.
The King of Oils: Olive Oil
When it comes to single, unmixed oils, Tibb-e-Nabawi places Olive Oil at the absolute top of the hierarchy. The Prophet (ļ·ŗ) explicitly commanded his followers: “Eat olive oil and massage with it.” (Sunan Ibn Majah). It is the ultimate all-purpose oil, universally beneficial for both internal health and external vitality. (Sesame oil was historically ranked as the second best for general use).
Seasonal Oils: Violet and Moringa
Classical Islamic medicine operates on the principle of temperaments (hot and cold). Therefore, physicians recommended switching your oils based on the season and your body’s specific needs.
1. Violet Oil (For the Heat)
Violet Oil (Roghan-e-Banafsha) is renowned for its cold temperament.
- The Summer Solution: Classical physicians highly recommended massaging with Violet oil during the hot summer months.
- Headaches & Insomnia: If someone was suffering from a “hot” headache, a migraine, or severe insomnia, massaging Violet oil into the scalp was the ultimate remedy to cool the brain and induce deep, restful sleep.
- Joints & Skin: It was also used to lubricate stiff joints and soothe dry, itchy skin conditions (scabies).
2. Moringa Oil (The Warming Miracle)
Moringa (Suhajna or Baan in Arabic) produces an oil from its white, pistachio-like seeds that has a hot temperament.
- The Winter Warmer: Because of its heat, it is the perfect oil for cold climates. Massaging it into the body warms “cold nerves,” relieves muscle spasms, and cuts through thick, winter phlegm.
- Skincare & Dental Health: Historically, this oil was used to fade vitiligo (white spots) and freckles. Surprisingly, classical texts also note that rubbing it on the teeth cleans them and makes them shiny!
- The Water Purifier: Beyond its oil, classical commentators noted that the Moringa plant is an absolute miracle for survival. If the powder of Moringa seeds is placed into dirty, polluted water, it acts as a natural coagulant, filtering the water and purifying it from germsāa true blessing for impoverished areas!
Reviving the Sunnah
The next time you step out of a warm shower, take a few extra minutes to revive this beautiful Sunnah. Whether you choose the universal blessing of Olive oil, the cooling relief of Violet oil in the summer, or the warming comfort of Moringa oil in the winter, a natural oil massage is one of the oldest, most prophetic ways to honor the body Allah has given you.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes based on classical Islamic texts (Tibb-e-Nabawi). It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or dermatological advice. Always patch-test new oils on a small area of skin to check for allergies before full application.