The story of Khadija bint Khuwaylid's perfume

The story of Khadija bint Khuwaylid's perfume

The story of Khadija bint Khuwaylid and her relationship with perfume is a beautiful intersection of her status as a noblewoman of Makkah and her deep devotion as the first wife of Prophet Muhammad.

In Islamic tradition, her "perfume" is often discussed in two contexts: her worldly elegance as a successful businesswoman and the spiritual fragrance associated with her legacy.

1. The Fragrance of Nobility

Before her marriage to the Prophet, Khadija was known as Amirat-Quraysh (Princess of Quraysh) and Al-Tahira (The Pure One). As one of the wealthiest merchants in Arabia, she lived a life of refinement.

Signature Scents: Historical accounts suggest she favored high-quality Oudh (agarwood) and Musk.

The Business of Scent: Her trade caravans traveled to Syria and Yemen, bringing back luxury goods, including rare oils and aromatics that were prized in the desert climate.

A Symbol of Status: In 7th-century Makkah, wearing fine perfume was not just about vanity; it was a mark of hygiene, dignity, and respect for one’s guests—values Khadija epitomized.

2. The Perfume of the Prophet’s Household

After marrying Muhammad, her wealth was famously dedicated to the cause of Islam. However, the tradition of fragrance remained central to their home.

The Prophet was known for his love of pleasant scents, once saying that "perfume and women" (referring to the companionship of a wife) were among the things made dear to him in this world. Khadija ensured their home was a sanctuary, often using incense (Bakhour) to scent the air, creating a peaceful environment for the Prophet during his times of heavy revelation and hardship.

3. The "Fragrance of Paradise"

There is a specific, poignant narration regarding the spiritual scent of Khadija. During the Isra and Mi'raj (the Night Journey), it is said that the Prophet smelled a beautiful, divine fragrance.

When he asked the angel Jibril about the source of this scent, one tradition notes that it was the fragrance of the station of Khadija in Paradise. This serves as a metaphor for her character:

Endurance: Like a crushed flower that releases more scent, her faith grew stronger through the persecution of the early Muslims.

Legacy: Her "perfume" is considered her lasting impact on the history of Islam—a scent of loyalty and sacrifice that remains 1,400 years later.

Why it Matters

Khadija’s story challenges the image of the "ascetic" who abandons all beauty. Instead, she showed that one could appreciate the "fine things"—like high-quality perfume—while remaining entirely devoted to a higher spiritual purpose.

Types of incense and oils used in the Arabian Peninsula in the 7th century

The 7th-century Arabian Peninsula—the era of the rise of Islam and the height of the Incense Route—was the global epicenter for aromatics. Scent wasn't just a luxury; it was deeply woven into hygiene, religious practice, and hospitality.

Here is a breakdown of the primary resins and oils used during that period.

1. Sacred Resins (Incense)

Resins were typically burned on charcoal in a burner called a mabkhara.

Frankincense (Al-Luban): Sourced primarily from the Dhofar region (modern-day Oman), this was the "king" of incense. It produced a citrusy, pine-like smoke used to purify homes and mosques.

Myrrh (Al-Murr): A bitter, earthy resin from the Commiphora tree. While also burned, it was highly valued for its medicinal and antiseptic properties.

Oud (Agarwood/Al-Oud): Though more expensive, as it had to be traded from South Asia, "oud" (meaning "wood" in Arabic) was highly prized by the elite for its deep, woody, and animalic scent.

Camphor (Al-Kafur): Mentioned in the Qur'an, camphor provided a cool, pungent aroma. It was often used in the preparation of the deceased for burial due to its preserving qualities.

2. Essential Oils and Perfumes (Attar)

In the 7th century, "oils" were often infusions (macerating botanicals in a base oil) or early distillates.

Musk (Al-Misk): Derived from the musk deer (via trade routes with China and Tibet), this was considered the noblest of scents. It was often mixed with other oils to create a long-lasting base.

Ambergris (Al-Anbar): A rare substance found on the coasts of the Arabian Sea (produced by sperm whales). It had a salty, earthy sweetness and acted as a powerful fixative for other perfumes.

Rose (Al-Ward): Particularly the Taif rose. While large-scale steam distillation became more famous later, 7th-century Arabs used rose water and rose-infused oils for skin care and flavoring food.

Saffron (Al-Za'faran): Used as both a vibrant yellow dye and a spicy, honey-like fragrance oil.

3. Traditional Mixtures

The 7th century saw the perfection of complex aromatic blends that are still used today:

Type Ingredients Usage

Bakhoor wood chips soaked in scented oils (jasmine, sandalwood, and musk). Burned to scent clothes and hair.

Ghallia A potent mix of musk, ambergris, and camphor. A high-status perfume used by royalty and the wealthy.

Itar/Attar pure botanical oil extracts (no alcohol). Applied directly to pulse points.

Cultural Significance

Scent was a matter of Sunnah (prophetic tradition). Cleanliness was equated with godliness, and it was customary to scent oneself before Friday prayers or when receiving guests. The "Incense Road" ensured that even though Arabia was a desert, it smelled of the world's most exotic forests and gardens.