Today, let us talk about such a thing which is connected with both our Need and our Hobby. Usually, the things we Humans use to fulfill our needs are not related to our hobbies, and the things we use as a hobby are not related to our needs.
But "Fragrance" (of all kinds) is completely beyond these boundaries. It is both our need and our hobby. This is a deadly combination. Fragrance not only teaches us to Love ourselves, But when we gift Fragrance to others, it also reflects our Love for them.
As we all know, the five senses of Human Beings are sight (seeing), hearing (listening), smell (sniffing), taste (tasting), and touch (feeling). These senses help us to understand and experience the world around us. But among these five senses, the sense of smell has a very special place. Fragrance deeply influences both our brain and our mind. This is the reason why perfume and scent hold immense importance in Human Life.
Fragrance makes the mind happy, reduces stress and fatigue, and fills us with energy, while stench brings negativity. Although it may not be common, perhaps there could be someone who does not like Fragrance, but hardly anyone would be there who likes bad odor.
In fact, the thing that enhances and refines every human personality is Fragrance. Every person uses a Fragrance of his own choice, some like light notes, while some prefer dark notes.
Along with this, Fragrance has a deep social and cultural significance. Since ancient times, perfume has been used in religious rituals, worship, and hospitality. It refines a person’s personality and increases social attraction.
Fragrance is also helpful in the field of health and medicine. Methods like aromatherapy use different Fragrances to provide mental balance and physical relaxation.
"If we talk about food, the aroma of food reaches us first, and through that aroma, we get an idea of the taste of the food."
We plant Fragrant Trees outside our homes, which is a very old tradition, so that we may also feel the Fragrance, and our guests who visit us may also enjoy it. We spray Fragrance in our homes, and we also spray Fragrance on ourselves.
Until now, whatever has been discussed relates to External Fragrances, But there is also a Fragrance in our behavior and that Fragrance is the Fragrance of Virtues. We Humans adopt the Fragrance of Virtues Because We naturally run away from the stench of Evils.
In the same way, how wonderful it would be if we also ran away from all kinds of social evils, such as intoxication, adultery, gambling, betting, and every type of crime, Just as we run away from bad odors around us. By doing this, our society would become much better and more fragrant.
Now, a big question arises, while the market is full of all kinds of Fragrances to perfume The Body, Who are those perfume sellers from whom we can buy The Fragrance that perfumes our Character?
I hope, to understand this, the following Hadith will be very helpful for us:
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"The example of a good companion and a bad companion is that of a perfume seller and a blacksmith. The perfume seller will either give you some fragrance, or you will buy some fragrance from him, or at least you will smell a pleasant scent from him. As for the blacksmith, he will either burn your clothes, or you will smell a foul odor from him."
(Sahih Bukhari: Hadith 2101, Sahih Muslim: Hadith 2628)
This means that a person always benefits from the company of good people, either directly, or at least through a good influence, while from bad company, a person always suffers harm, whether directly or indirectly.