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The Sunnah of Oiling the Hair: How the Prophet ﷺ Did It

The Sunnah of Oiling the Hair: How the Prophet ﷺ Did It — sourced from authentic Quran and hadith references.

Oiling the hair is a confirmed Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, bringing both physical and spiritual benefits. The Prophet ﷺ regularly applied oil to his hair and encouraged his Companions to do likewise, treating it as an act of grooming, health, and devotion.

The Prophetic Practice of Oiling Hair

The Prophet ﷺ consistently oiled his hair and beard, setting a clear example for his followers. Narrated Anas ibn Malik: "The Prophet ﷺ used to oil his hair quite often."

This regular practice was not merely a cultural habit but a deliberate Sunnah that the Prophet ﷺ maintained. Another narration from Abu Umamah states: "The Prophet ﷺ would oil his hair and beard."

The Companions understood this as an essential part of following the Prophet's ﷺ example. Anas also reported that the Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever has hair, let him honor it."

Types of Oil Used by the Prophet ﷺ

The Prophet ﷺ used various oils, with olive oil being specifically recommended. He said: "Eat olive oil and anoint yourselves with it, for it comes from a blessed tree."

This hadith highlights the blessed nature of olive oil, which is also mentioned in the Quran as a source of light:

اللَّهُ نُورُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ ۚ مَثَلُ نُورِهِ كَمِشْكَاةٍ فِيهَا مِصْبَاحٌ ۖ الْمِصْبَاحُ فِي زُجَاجَةٍ ۖ الزُّجَاجَةُ كَأَنَّهَا كَوْكَبٌ دُرِّيٌّ يُوقَدُ مِن شَجَرَةٍ مُّبَارَكَةٍ زَيْتُونَةٍ لَّا شَرْقِيَّةٍ وَلَا غَرْبِيَّةٍ يَكَادُ زَيْتُهَا يُضِيءُ وَلَوْ لَمْ تَمْسَسْهُ نَارٌ ۚ نُورٌ عَلَىٰ نُورٍ ۗ يَهْدِي اللَّهُ لِنُورِهِ مَن يَشَاءُ ۚ وَيَضْرِبُ اللَّهُ الْأَمْثَالَ لِلنَّاسِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمٌ
"Allāh is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp; the lamp is within glass, the glass as if it were a pearly [white] star lit from [the oil of] a blessed olive tree, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almost glow even if untouched by fire. Light upon light. Allāh guides to His light whom He wills. And Allāh presents examples for the people, and Allāh is Knowing of all things."

Other oils known to have been used include sesame oil and various natural oils common in Arabia.

The Method of Applying Oil

The Prophet ﷺ taught a specific method for applying oil. He would begin by oiling his beard first, then his head. Narrated Abu Hurairah: "The Prophet ﷺ used to apply oil to his beard before his head."

This order demonstrates attention to detail and care in grooming. The oil was applied in moderation, not excessively. The Prophet ﷺ also recommended oiling the hair after washing it to maintain moisture and health.

The Spiritual Benefits of Oiling Hair

Oiling the hair is part of honoring one's body as a trust from Allah. The Quran mentions hair as a created material for beneficial uses:

وَاللَّهُ جَعَلَ لَكُم مِّن بُيُوتِكُمْ سَكَنًا وَجَعَلَ لَكُم مِّن جُلُودِ الْأَنْعَامِ بُيُوتًا تَسْتَخِفُّونَهَا يَوْمَ ظَعْنِكُمْ وَيَوْمَ إِقَامَتِكُمْ ۖ وَمِنْ أَصْوَافِهَا وَأَوْبَارِهَا وَأَشْعَارِهَا أَثَاثًا وَمَتَاعًا إِلَىٰ حِينٍ
"It is Allah Who made your habitations homes of rest and quiet for you; and made for you, out of the skins of animals, (tents for) dwellings, which ye find so light (and handy) when ye travel and when ye stop (in your travels); and out of their wool, and their soft fibres (between wool and hair), and their hair, rich stuff and articles of convenience (to serve you) for a time."

The Prophet's ﷺ guidance on hair care reflects the broader Islamic principle of maintaining physical appearance as a form of gratitude to Allah. Oiling hair also demonstrates following the Sunnah in daily routines, which brings blessings and nearness to Allah.

Combining Oil with Combing

The Prophet ﷺ often combined oiling with combing his hair. Narrated Anas: "The Prophet ﷺ had a comb made of ivory. He would oil his hair and then comb it."

This practice helps distribute the oil evenly and keeps the hair well-groomed. It also prevents tangles and maintains the health of the scalp and hair follicles.

Practical Guidance for Emulating This Sunnah

To follow this Sunnah, one should:

1. Use pure, natural oils such as olive oil. 2. Apply oil regularly, ideally after washing hair or before sleeping. 3. Begin with the beard (for men) then the hair. 4. Use a moderate amount—not so little that it has no effect, nor so much that it appears greasy. 5. Combine oiling with gentle combing to distribute it evenly.

The Prophet ﷺ said: "The deeds most beloved to Allah are those that are done consistently, even if they are small."

Therefore, even a small amount of oil applied regularly is more rewarding than occasional excessive use.

Conclusion

Oiling the hair is a beautiful Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ that combines physical care, spiritual devotion, and following his ﷺ example. It honors the hair as a blessing from Allah and brings the practitioner closer to the prophetic way of life. By incorporating this practice, Muslims can revive a neglected Sunnah and experience its holistic benefits.

Sources

  • https://quran.com/16/80
  • https://quran.com/24/35
  • https://sunnah.com/bukhari:6464
  • https://sunnah.com/abudawud:4162
  • https://sunnah.com/abudawud:4163
  • https://sunnah.com/ibnmajah:3319
  • https://sunnah.com/ibnmajah:3618
  • https://sunnah.com/tirmidhi:1756
  • https://sunnah.com/tirmidhi:1757
The Sunnah of Oiling the Hair: How the Prophet ﷺ Did It · Rassoul