Fatimah had always believed in the importance of taking care of herself, but like most busy moms, finding time for beauty and wellness often seemed like a luxury. Between work, kids, and daily responsibilities, self-care was often the last thing on her mind. But after a particularly exhausting week, her friend Khadijah invited her to a relaxing day of spa treatments and wellness discussions.
As they soaked their feet in a herbal bath, Khadijah leaned over and whispered, “You know, I’ve been thinking a lot about how our religion emphasizes wellness and self-care. I used to feel guilty about taking time for myself, but when I look into Islamic teachings, it’s clear that we’re encouraged to look after our bodies.”
Fatimah smiled, relieved to hear someone else echoing her own thoughts. “You’re right. I always remind myself of the hadith where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, ‘Your body has a right over you.’ (Sahih Bukhari). Our bodies are an amanah (trust) from Allah, and taking care of ourselves is a form of worship.”
As they chatted about self-care practices, Fatimah couldn’t help but think about the balance Islam teaches in all aspects of life, including beauty and wellness. From using natural remedies to following sunnah practices, self-care in Islam is not just about looking good—it’s about feeling good and maintaining spiritual and physical well-being.
She looked at Khadijah and said, “Let me share a few simple self-care practices that are rooted in our Islamic traditions. These are things I try to incorporate into my life, and they’ve made a huge difference.”
Fatimah’s Islamic Self-Care Practices for Beauty and Wellness:
- Start with Wudu (Ablution): “Wudu is one of the most underrated forms of self-care. Not only is it a physical cleansing, but it’s also a spiritual refreshment. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that wudu cleanses us from sins with each drop of water (Sahih Muslim). I like to think of wudu as a way to hit the reset button during stressful moments.”
- Embrace Natural Beauty with Sunnah Practices: “Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged us to care for our appearance using natural elements. He used miswak (a natural toothbrush) to clean his teeth, and he applied kohl to his eyes. Incorporating natural beauty products like olive oil, honey, and rose water into your routine is a simple way to follow the sunnah while nourishing your skin.”
- Eat Wholesome, Halal Foods: “What we put into our bodies affects how we feel and look. The Qur’an emphasizes the importance of consuming halal and tayyib (pure) foods. As Allah says, ‘Eat of the good things which We have provided for you.’ (Qur’an 2:172). Make sure your meals are balanced, nutritious, and filled with foods that nourish your body and mind.”
- The Sunnah of Siwak (Tooth Cleaning): “Caring for our teeth is also an act of self-care, and the use of siwak is highly encouraged in Islam. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, ‘If I had not found it hard for my followers, I would have ordered them to use the siwak before every prayer.’ (Sahih Bukhari). Taking a moment to freshen up before salah not only benefits your physical well-being but also connects you with the Prophetic tradition.”
- Prioritize Sleep and Rest: “In our busy lives, we often overlook the importance of rest. Yet, sleep is essential for both physical and mental well-being. The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us to be moderate in all things, including sleep. He would take a nap in the afternoon (qailulah) and would encourage moderation in staying awake at night. Don’t feel guilty about getting enough rest—it’s a sunnah and a necessity.”
- Practice Gratitude and Reflection: “A key component of well-being is mental health. One of the best ways to maintain mental peace is through gratitude and reflection. The Qur’an tells us, ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]…’ (Qur’an 14:7). Start or end your day with a few moments of dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and reflect on the blessings in your life. It’s a simple but powerful practice for emotional wellness.”
- Exercise and Movement: “Staying physically active is part of Islamic teachings. The Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged horse riding, swimming, and archery. While we may not be doing those exact activities today, any form of regular exercise—whether it’s walking, stretching, or yoga—helps maintain our physical and mental health. Even a 15-minute walk can do wonders for your energy.”
- Hydration is Key: “Drinking water is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to take care of your body. The Prophet (peace be upon him) would sit down and drink water in small sips, as recommended for better digestion and hydration. Keep yourself hydrated throughout the day, especially if you’re juggling a lot of responsibilities.”
- Dress Modestly but Confidently: “Modesty in Islam doesn’t mean neglecting your appearance. You can still dress beautifully while fulfilling your obligation of modesty. The Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged wearing clean, beautiful clothes. When you take the time to dress well, even modestly, it can boost your confidence and positively affect your mood.”
- Mental Wellness through Prayer and Meditation: “Islam teaches us the importance of taking care of our mental health, and prayer is one of the best ways to maintain inner peace. The regularity of salah helps us pause, reflect, and recharge. It’s like a built-in mental health break five times a day. Combine it with some deep breathing and gratitude, and you’ve got yourself a powerful self-care practice.”
Fatimah’s face lit up as she finished her list. “It’s not about pampering yourself in the way the world tells you—you know, spending hours in a spa or buying expensive products. It’s about small, consistent acts that nurture your body, mind, and soul. And the best part? All of this is rooted in our faith.”
Khadijah nodded, feeling inspired. “I never thought about self-care in such a holistic way, but you’re right. It’s part of our deen. I think I’ll start by making wudu more mindfully and taking those walks you mentioned.”
Fatimah smiled. “That’s the beauty of Islam. It teaches us balance, in every aspect of life. And when you start seeing self-care as an act of worship, it becomes even more rewarding.”
This story weaves Islamic principles with practical beauty and wellness tips, offerin
