The Book of Adornment - Sunan an-Nasa'i 5059

"The Messenger of Allah [SAW] used to like to start in the right. He would accept with his right hand and give with his right hand, and he liked to start on the right in all his affairs."

Commentary on the Prophetic Preference

This noble hadith from Sunan an-Nasa'i establishes the comprehensive principle of giving preference to the right side in all permissible matters of life. The Prophet's consistent practice demonstrates that this was not merely a personal preference but a divinely-guided Sunnah intended to instill order and excellence in Muslim conduct.

Scholars explain that the right hand and right side are honored in Islamic tradition, as evidenced by numerous texts including the Quranic verse describing the "People of the Right Hand" who will receive their records in their right hands. This preference reflects spiritual wisdom, as the right symbolizes goodness, blessing, and honor while the left is reserved for cleansing and less honorable tasks.

Practical Applications of the Sunnah

The classical scholars derived from this hadith numerous practical applications: wearing shoes beginning with the right foot, entering mosques with the right foot, performing ablution starting with the right limbs, eating and drinking with the right hand, giving and receiving with the right hand, and combing hair from the right side.

Imam an-Nawawi commented that this comprehensive principle applies to all affairs unless there is specific evidence to the contrary, such as entering bathrooms with the left foot or cleaning oneself after relieving oneself with the left hand. The wisdom behind this practice includes distinguishing Muslims in their conduct, following the prophetic example, and recognizing the inherent honor Allah has given to the right side.