The Messenger of Allah [SAW] liked to start on the right whenever possible; when purifying himself, when putting on his shoes, and when combing his hair.
The Virtue of Beginning with the Right
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, and may peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah, his family, and his companions.
This noble hadith from Sunan an-Nasa'i (5240) establishes a fundamental principle in the Islamic etiquette of daily actions. The Prophet's preference for beginning with the right side in matters of adornment and purity reflects the comprehensive nature of Islamic guidance, which encompasses both major acts of worship and mundane daily routines.
Scholarly Commentary on the Three Actions
Purification (At-Taharah): The scholars of jurisprudence have derived from this that one should begin with the right side during wudu' and ghusl. This includes washing the right hand before the left, and the right foot before the left. This practice honors the right side, which Allah has made worthy of respect in numerous Islamic texts.
Wearing Shoes (Labs an-Na'l): The wisdom here is both practical and spiritual. Practically, it establishes order in one's affairs. Spiritually, it teaches consistency in following the Prophetic example in even the smallest matters, thereby transforming ordinary actions into acts of worship through intention and adherence to the Sunnah.
Combing Hair (Mushṭ): This demonstrates that the principle of beginning with the right extends to matters of personal grooming and beautification permitted in Islam. The scholars mention that this includes parting the hair from the right side and generally giving preference to the right in all acts of adornment that are pleasing to Allah.
Legal Ruling and Exceptions
The majority of scholars consider beginning with the right in these matters to be mustahabb (recommended) rather than wajib (obligatory). However, they emphasize the great reward in following the Prophet's habits consistently. Exceptions to this rule include entering the mosque (begin with left foot) and actions involving removal or undressing, where the left typically takes precedence.
Spiritual Significance
Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) noted that the right side is associated with blessings, light, and the recording of good deeds. By consistently beginning with the right, the Muslim imbues their daily life with divine order and constantly remembers their purpose of worship. This practice serves as a continuous reminder that every action, no matter how small, can be an act of obedience when performed in accordance with the Sunnah.