Hadith Commentary: The Book on Marriage - Jami' at-Tirmidhi

This noble hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) enumerates four practices that constitute the established ways (Sunan) of all the Messengers of Allah. The reference is Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1080.

Explanation of the Four Sunan

Al-Hayat (Modesty): This refers to innate shyness and modesty that prevents a person from committing indecency. It is a spiritual quality that beautifies character and protects one from sin, a trait perfected in all the Prophets.

Using Atar (Perfume): This signifies cleanliness, pleasant hygiene, and presenting oneself in a good, dignified manner. The Prophets maintained physical purity and pleasant fragrance, which reflects inner purity and respect for social gatherings.

The Siwak (Tooth-stick): This emphasizes oral hygiene and purification of the mouth. It holds great spiritual merit, purifies the mouth for prayer and recitation, and was particularly beloved to our Prophet (pbuh).

Marriage (Nikah): This is the sacred institution established to preserve chastity, continue human lineage, and build righteous families. It fulfills natural desires in a lawful manner and completes half of one's faith, following the way of all Messengers.

Scholarly Insights

The scholars explain that these four practices combine both inward spiritual qualities (modesty) and outward physical practices, showing the comprehensive nature of the Prophetic way that addresses both the soul and the body.

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) noted that these sunan protect one's religion, honor, body, and society - modesty protects faith, perfume protects social interaction, siwak protects health, and marriage protects chastity.

This hadith encourages Muslims to revive these noble practices, as they lead to comprehensive goodness in this life and the hereafter, following in the footsteps of all the Prophets sent by Allah.