How and when did Oud become associated with Muslim culture?
By Dan Terry
Oud, also known as agarwood, has been used in perfumery and traditional medicine for centuries and is native to many countries in Southeast Asia, including India, Cambodia, and Indonesia. However, its association with Muslim culture can be traced back to the early Islamic period.
According to historical records, the Prophet Muhammad used agarwood as a perfume and encouraged its use among his followers. Agarwood was also mentioned in the Hadith, a collection of sayings and actions attributed to the Prophet Muhammad. This helped to establish agarwood as an important fragrance in Islamic culture and a symbol of luxury and spirituality.
Over time, agarwood became increasingly popular among Muslim rulers and elites. It was often used as a gift or tribute and was considered a sign of status and wealth. Agarwood was also used in Islamic religious practices, such as during the fasting month of Ramadan, where its fragrance was believed to help elevate one's spiritual experience.
Today, agarwood continues to be an important fragrance in Islamic culture, and its popularity has spread to other parts of the world as well. It is often used in traditional attars and perfumes, and many modern perfumers continue to use oud as a key ingredient in their fragrances.