The Henna of the Heart
“The colour of henna will only show its true effect once it permeates…”
(i.e. the beauty of the Sunnah will only show itself through a person’s sublime character, when the sunnah permeates a person’s heart and life)
(Malfoozaate Hazrat Shaikh 1/111)
This metaphor is used by Hazrat Shaikh Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya (رحمة الله عليه) to describe the depth and sincerity required in following the Sunnah (the lifestyle and teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ).
- Just like henna only reveals its rich color after it soaks into the skin, the beauty of the Sunnah only becomes visible when it deeply influences a person’s heart and character.
- It’s not enough to outwardly imitate the Sunnah; it must permeate one’s inner self, shaping one’s akhlaaq (sublime character) and nisbat (spiritual connection with Allah Ta’ala).
Wearing a beard, donning a kurta, or using a miswak are beautiful outward signs. But also the true radiance of the Sunnah is seen in gentleness, humility, honesty, and mercy—qualities that blossom when the Sunnah is not just worn, but lived.
These are the colours that shine when the Sunnah is absorbed, not just imitated.
Let us strive to live the Sunnah not only in appearance, but in conduct and spirit—until our hearts reflect the light of the Prophet ﷺ, and our lives become a canvas of his legacy.
