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Madinat al-Muslimeen Islamic Message Board
| Smelly Muslims |
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| Kathy |
| 03/11/04 at 09:39:03 |
| [slm] In my mailbox was a Cair alert about a journalist who described Muslims as smelly. I have never seen this topic discussed and as an American thought I would bring it up to topic. I write, "as an American" because, although I am Muslim and know most are not smelly... an overwhelming amount ...are! I think of the men in the restaurants who have a deffinate BO. I think of the kids I pick up in my car who definately 'reek' of curry and cumin. (Smells that are not aromatic in the west) I think of some of the men who are speaking at dawah events, that either got real nervous or forgot to bathe. I am also thinking of the women I hug at the masjid... i am also thinking of the African American cab drivers, whose musk oil is so strong. Sure... this happens to all races or cultures, even here in America. So why is it that I remember the Muslim ones most? Many years ago I had to speak to an employee about her personal hygene. She was a FOB and did not know what deoderant was. Is this really true? Is deoderant something used in other countries? (honest question) Has anyone seen the new ad on TV for a breath mint? The man is absolutely foreign with a beard and slightly hooked nose... can't quite figure out the accent. |
| 03/11/04 at 09:42:23 |
| Kathy |
| Re: Smelly Muslims |
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| theOriginal |
| 03/11/04 at 12:15:25 |
| [slm] Man I don't know. Trust me, cumin and curry are not appetizing smells even to a South Asian.. especially when that smell infests itself in your clothing? does anyone know what I'm talking about? I think that most muslims come from this idea that since it is cold in North America, they can't shower very often. They just forget, that our houses are heated and that it would probably be easier to shower twice a day here at - 30 degrees weather then it would be to shower once a day in Karachi at 8 degrees weather. (Celsius) The worst is the prayer area at school. Oh man! That place really smells. Even though we constantly make efforts to fix it. So sis Kathy, how did you tell that employee? What do you say exactly? Share your wisdom! related matter: Why can't Muslims do wudu without making a mess? And if they make a mess, why can't they clean it up. At school, we pray Jumu'ah in this rec center, atop this bar (yes we have MAJOR problems with the school admin) , and there's always one sister missing the khutbah at the end, because she is cleaning the sink and the floor which look like they've been flooded. I wonder, what would we be like if hygiene HADN'T been stressed SO much in our religion? Could it get worse :P Wasalaam. |
| Re: Smelly Muslims |
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| al-ajnabia |
| 03/11/04 at 12:24:14 |
| [slm] what is the ruling on deoderant? does it fall under frangrances, since even the "unscented" variety has a smell? Even washing every day, without deoderant the human body is a funky thing. But as for me, I just consider it a righteous funk, and since I'm not planning to stay here in the west, I might as well start aclimating in advace. It also helps keep the white folk at a respectful distance if you know wht I mean. just my two scents, funkmiestress ajnabia |
| Re: Smelly Muslims |
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| superFOB |
| 03/11/04 at 15:18:25 |
| [slm] Hygiene is such a relative thing. Most muslims are clean, in the religious sense of the word, since they wash themselves when necessary. But it must be understood that body odor is not a social turn-off in eastern societies. In fact, it is mostly nothing of significance. I remember standing next to pushtun day laborers in karachi, and boy did they stink. But that is poverty and lack of resources if nothing else. Thus we are acclimatized to body odor. Not surprisingly, body odor is associated with manliness in many tribal cultures. As far as masala smell is considered, if you stay for 15 minutes where desi food is being cooked, you start smelling of garlic and of garam masala and what not. Homemakers don't realize that their kids and themselves are smelling of curry powder becuase they can't tell. Do them a favor and let them know. Keep a perfume at hand and spray them on the little ones fisabilillah. Most people coming to the first-world have to be told to shape up. Many are reluctant to change, and many in the lower rung stay that way because nobody emphasized that to them. As far as messing up the toilets are concerned, its a necessary mess due to the shortage of time. Why don't people cleanup "after" the jumuah is over? Why don't the organizers ask for volunteers to do the same? I am sure many would happily volunteer. - superFOB PS: yes we do have all kinds of deodorants back home, and people have started using them. Did I mention that europeans stink more, literally? |
| 03/11/04 at 15:28:39 |
| superFOB |
| Re: Smelly Muslims |
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| Barr |
| 03/11/04 at 17:06:15 |
| Wa'alaikumussalam warahmatullah... Nope.. I don't usually hear of smelly Muslims... but, in Singapore, there is an ethnic group that is largely associated with bad smells - I think it boils down to the food they eat and they put coconut oil in their hair. Allahua'lam. Otherwise generally and universally... hmm... I'd link bad odours to men and alcohol... and hygiene deficiency. (I seem to hv a sensitive nose for men ::)) [quote]what is the ruling on deoderant? does it fall under frangrances, since even the "unscented" variety has a smell? [/quote] I don't know of any ruling that prohibits deoderant and fragrances. I think we are encouraged to smell good, or at least, be a comfort to others' noses. However, extra care should be taken when using fragrances that may cause fitnah. There's a hadith on that. Maybe someone can dig it up. Allahua'lam :) |
| Re: Smelly Muslims |
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| faith |
| 03/11/04 at 20:40:50 |
| [slm] well, you are what you eat (hence, you smell of what you eat) ;) hence, 1 of the reasons why i don't like to eat curry... no offence meant to anyone, but here in the tropics, normally another smelly group are the europeans who are not in the habit of showering 2x a day, hence in this tropical climate, you perspire quite often, so if you don't take care of your hygiene, everyone in the room will know... back to the smelly muslims topic, yes i have come accross some who smell of BO. I think its because they are not aware of the sunnah of fitrah - that you're suppose to get rid of certain body hair, clip the nails etc (i dont have the exact hadith). but if you practise that sunnah, it will definitely help to reduce your BO, inshaAllah. :-) P.S what is FOB? |
| 03/11/04 at 20:44:01 |
| faith |
| Re: Smelly Muslims |
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| Khariya |
| 03/11/04 at 23:21:34 |
| [slm] my mother and I were discussing this problem about muslims and deodorant. She was asking me if muslims from other countries thought it was haram. I said I didn't think so because muslims are not supposed to smell, and the Prophet [saw] used to tell people to clean their teeth so their breath wouldn't smell. And the scent of deodorant is not detectable through clothes so I don't think it is in the perfume category. |
| Re: Smelly Muslims |
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| rkhan |
| 03/12/04 at 03:42:26 |
| [slm] You can smell a Muslim and a masjid from a mile off here too…the only difference is that they smell of [i] ‘itr [/i] (non alcoholic perfume) and [i] incense [/i]. So much so that we come off smelling like the masjid after praying…and a Muslim’s hug lingers long after they’re gone because of the perfume they wear. Curry and cumin…you must be talking of subcontinetals here. Desis use a lot of strong smelling spices in their food, which is why they need to be gently let on that a daily shower, a gargle of mouthwash and a quick spritz before leaving the house aren’t luxuries…they’re necessities. The Prophet SAW specifically asked people to keep off the [i] musalla[/i] [praying place] if they’d been eating garlic bcoz of its unpleasant smell. And he [SAW] said that of the worldly things, he loved pefume and used it liberally. In fact, the ppl in Madina could tell that he’d patted a particular child on the head from a grp of kids bcoz of the Prophet’s fragrance coming from his hair. And when the Prophet Saw died and Ali RA was washing his body, the fragrance emanating from the Prophets’s body moved him to remark : “How wholesome you are whether alive or in death.” Subhaanallah! Reason enough for Muslims to try and smell good…follow the Prophet’s sunnah. Abt perfumes being “haraam”, women are clearly asked not to use strong perfumes …especially when going out or to the masjid. There’s a reference where a man’s perfume is “strong and not coloured” and a woman’s is the opposite. Some scholars consider alcohol [i] najas[/i] [impure] even to touch the skin, which is why non-alcoholic deos and perfumes may be an option. Out here the choice is mind boggling – not just musk and amber—you also get the scent that’s used on the ka’aba’s [i] kiswa [/i] [cover] and all the big brands in non-alcoholic form. Perhaps it’d be a good idea to stock non alcoholic deos ( I know Nivea , Dove and Faberge have those) and hand them around…get the rewards of sunnah and sadaqa at one go.. Aside: I recently read a medical study that said using alcoholic deos on shaved areas e.g. armpits is being linked to breast cancer. Wallahu A’alam. PS. FOB= Fresh Off the Boat … as in new to planet USA. |
| 03/12/04 at 04:45:42 |
| rkhan |
| Re: Smelly Muslims |
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| MIT |
| 03/12/04 at 04:06:48 |
| as-salaamu alaikum The worst has got to be the smells from old people when they're reading isha when the salaah is prayed just after dinner time. Cos they're you're standing listening to the recitation, and then a chorus of *burps* breaks out and you get to smell the unfortunate aroma of half-digested curry. |
| NS |
| Re: Smelly Muslims |
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| rkhan |
| 03/12/04 at 04:24:04 |
| [slm] Bro MIT, perhaps it'd be a good idea to steer clear of "known offenders" ...meaning pray in another suff? Or get the imaam or a brother (maybe do it yourself) to do a mini halaqa on the importance of keeping one's breath clean and not offending fellow Muslims with bad breath with reference to hadiths... I just think it's not a good idea to confirm negative stereotypes about "smelly Muslims" without trying to change the situation wherever possible...wallaahu aalam. [wlm] |
| 03/12/04 at 04:37:50 |
| rkhan |
| Re: Smelly Muslims |
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| faith |
| 03/12/04 at 05:14:27 |
| [slm] ok, here is the hadith: Sahih Bukhari: Volume 7, Book 72, Number 779: Narrated Abu Huraira : I heard the Prophet saying. "Five practices are characteristics of the Fitra: circumcision, shaving the pubic hair, cutting the moustaches short, clipping the nails, and depilating the hair of the armpits." Please inform other muslims of this hadith (even do a lecture/khutba/halaqa), and the ones quoted by rkhan (jazakallahu khairan), in order to stay smelling good. The above applies to both men and women, and wallahu alam, if muslim men take heed of the 5th practise - coz it really does reduce one's BO. :-) |
| 03/12/04 at 05:15:56 |
| faith |
| Re: Smelly Muslims |
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| Nomi |
| 03/12/04 at 06:01:26 |
| [slm] [quote] I think of the men in the restaurants who have a deffinate [color=Yellow]BO. [/color] [/quote] [quote] back to the smelly muslims topic, yes i have come accross some who smell of [color=Yellow]BO.[/color] I think its because they are not aware of the sunnah of fitrah - that you're suppose to get rid of certain body hair, clip the nails etc (i dont have the exact hadith). but if you practise that sunnah, it will definitely help to reduce your [color=Yellow]BO[/color] [/quote] [quote] coz it really does reduce one's [color=Yellow]BO. [/color] [/quote] Please ppl, i beg you not to use that word again. If i make my bro read this thread especially that word (eww..) we both will end up ROFL! I always thought of it as a "punjabi" word ??? [quote] The worst has got to be the smells from old people when they're reading isha when the salaah is prayed just after dinner time. Cos they're you're standing listening to the recitation, and then a chorus of *burps* [/quote] And remember those times when it so happens that u and the guy next to you start making wudu together at masjid and when you are about to finish yours the other guy starts over :D :D :D The guy next to me started over once and man he looked so embarrassed, i tried my best not to laugh though! And alhamdulillah for my weak sense of smell (lol). Seriously, with no intent of offending anyone. I've a question to converts on the board. Actually i've heard it at least thrice that in absence of some deodorant/perfume etc non-muslim have a bad body-odour. A guy even claimed that if you make a Muslim and a non-Muslim bathe with a simple soap (without any fragrance) and smell them, you'll see your proof of it. How true is that? Reason he gave was that, non-muslims eat pork etc, thats why! And plz stop generalizing about desis. Guys around me carry the most expensive of 'attars' in their pockets and my next door neighbour in fact manufactures perfumes and gifts us many ;) Asnwers? [slm] [color=Red] ps: SHOOTS!!! The moment i hit "Post" this darned lizard on the ceiling potty'ied on me >:( [/color] |
| 03/12/04 at 08:26:15 |
| Nomi |
| Re: Smelly Muslims |
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| al-ajnabia |
| 03/12/04 at 10:01:25 |
| [slm] I think its definately true that we emit what we take in. There seems to be a differance between a debauched stench and a righteous funk. You know though, since the news reports got to me about the cancer link to deoderant and the people saying women shouldnt wear perfume at all outside the house (something about havin zinna with anyone who over smelled them) and I just quit with the stuff not even all americans act like I smell bad, which is a change really. Turns out Allah provides with a good cover aroma when a person needs one. But there are some people who cant tollerate any body fragrance, funny though these are the same ones who got on my case about perfume and that I sould quit. And also it helps keep me from smelling people I dont want to smell, who do things they shouldnt do and the wisper of thier indescressions lingers, mocking them. |
| Re: Smelly Muslims |
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| sabeena |
| 03/13/04 at 02:02:03 |
| assalamu alaikum according to what ive heard the prophet (s) used to use a natuaral type of deoderant called, in urdu, 'patakari'. i think its called cream of tartar in english. its a type of salt and ur supposed to use it in the whole rock form and basically rub it on to ur armpits. ppl whove tried it say it actually works, i have yet to see for myself but i think its a good alternative to breast cancer causing deoderatants. masalaam :-) p.s. i read somewhere it was the alluminum in deoderants which causes breast cancer, not the alchol. correct me if im wrong. |
| Re: Smelly Muslims |
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| yumna |
| 03/13/04 at 13:13:06 |
| [slm]i don't think that muslims stink there was another board in which an american had written so badly about muslims and about their stinking problem i swear if cursing wasn't forbiiden in islam i would have set his ears on fire!! >:(was i furious and he WAS a muslim!!! :o :o :o :o :ofrom that day i have this thing in my mind that these kinds of americans rn't worth ......yaar forget it besides evn if v muslims smell in this world wat matters is the hereafter nad in the hereafter the true muslims will smell most heavenly :-* :-* :-* :-*so those who r offended by the comment forget it though i agree personal hygiene is very important and "purification is half of faith" "purification is key to prayers " "Allah loves those who make themselves pure" |
| Re: Smelly Muslims |
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| Stephanie |
| 03/13/04 at 23:05:25 |
| [slm] I've never notice Muslim's being particularly "smelly" as far as BO is concerned. I have noticed some groups have different smells that might be offensive to people who aren't used to it, such as curry and garlic. I know alot of Asians at the university and sometimes they have a not so pleasant smell (I'm assuming from their diet). Frankly, I'm not all that comfortable with this topic as it seems to be serving to further stereotypes. May Allah forgive me. As for the question about pork and converts (which I am) I've never noticed pork eaters as having a different smell. Seems to be another one of those stereotypes. Also, shaving the armpits does make a big difference and is Sunnah. Just my 2cents :-) [wlm] |
| Re: Smelly Muslims |
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| al-ajnabia |
| 03/14/04 at 09:00:35 |
| [slm] shaving the armpits doesnt make near so big a difference as pulling that hair out by the roots. HOwever, if anyone trys that be sur that you do NOt use deoderant because the glands are right under there and that is just asking for major trouble. |
| Re: Smelly Muslims |
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| theOriginal |
| 03/14/04 at 11:47:01 |
| [slm] Phitkari? Sorry I think that's what it's called. The Prophet (saw) used to use that? That's very interesting, how do you know that? Man as soon as I read that word, I could taste phitkari. Yes, as a child I experimented with eating that stuff. It looked like sugar, but it was...well...gross. I say everyone should shower at least once a day (preferably more). Quick showers if utility $$$ is an issue. The problem should be solved, inshaAllah. Wasalaam. |
| 03/14/04 at 11:48:25 |
| theOriginal |
| Re: Smelly Muslims |
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| theOriginal |
| 03/14/04 at 13:59:56 |
| [slm] Okay bro Nomi...I got the point lol. It's PHATKARI NOT PHITKAREE folks. Wasalaam. |
| Re: Smelly Muslims |
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| sal |
| 03/14/04 at 17:57:04 |
| The fact we have to know is that ISLAM teaches us to be clean and not smelly so who ever says a word against this is just a matter of fanatic personal hatred to ISLAM But at the same time We cant say every Muslem is clean and not smelly ,there are lots smelly despite the presence of all kind of scent around . There are also non Muslems much cleaner with very nice smells even atheist . we don’t have to deny this. So miserably it is really awkward when a Muslem is found smelly by lets say an atheist and yes this can be true And so when we read things against ISLAM .no need to defend with words but if we really feel we belong to this religion I think its necessary to correct the mistakes we are found practicing I think when non muslems say some thing against MUSLEMS not the ISLAM they most probably have evidence on what they say . but what they have to know is that such bad things they found on muslem is also prohibited in ISLAM otherwise they will relate our personal wrong things to ISLAM Any way sadly yes there are lots of smelly MUSLEMS . I wish they should not because this is not what ISLAM wants us to look like . |
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