How Can I Stop Teasing When a Child Starts Using Perfume or Oil? 

Parenting Perspective 

When a child begins experimenting with perfume or oil, teasing from siblings or peers can instantly trigger embarrassment, self-doubt, or defensiveness. Beneath the surface, the child is striving for acceptance, a sense of maturity, and pride in following Sunnah habits. Validating the child’s feelings first is essential before addressing the teasing, as it immediately reassures them that their choices are respected and appreciated. 

Validate the Effort: Parent script: ‘I can see you are trying something new by using a little oil that shows you care about taking care of yourself.’ 

Address Teasing Calmly and Directly 

Guide older children or siblings to use kind language and completely avoid mocking. Explain that everyone has personal habits, and following Sunnah practices like light fragrance is a respectful way to care for oneself and others. 

• Teach Kindness: Parent script: ‘We all have routines that make us feel good and clean; let us speak kindly about each other’s personal choices.’ 

By modelling calm and dignified responses to teasing, parents show children how to maintain dignity while asserting their personal habits confidently. This approach builds resilience. 

Celebrate Intentions, Not Just Outcomes 

Emphasise the virtuous purpose behind wearing perfume or oil: self-respect, cleanliness, and following the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ’s Sunnah. Share compelling stories from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ’s life highlighting his personal care for fragrance and hygiene. 

• Focus on Purpose: Parent script: ‘The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ loved good scents, but he always used them lightly to show respect for himself and those around him.’ 

Encouraging children to focus deeply on their intention rather than the fleeting reactions from others builds strong internal resilience. Over time, they begin to value the practice for its personal and spiritual significance, which naturally diminishes the impact of any teasing. 

Rituals of Pride: Introduce small, intentional rituals, such as letting the child choose a favourite subtle fragrance or applying it together before Salah (prayer) or special occasions. This frames the habit as intentional and meaningful. 

Spiritual Insight 

Caring for oneself in moderation is a beautiful aspect of Sunnah, and Islam strongly encourages believers to maintain dignity and self-respect in the face of social pressure. Fragrance, when used lightly, is part of this teaching, combining personal hygiene with respect for others. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Ahzab (33), Verse 21: 

‘Indeed in the Messenger of Allah you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah often…’ 

This verse highlights that following the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ’s practices, including cleanliness and fragrance, provides a model for both physical and moral behaviour. It teaches children that their personal choices, when rooted in Sunnah, are worthy and strong, even if others do not immediately understand them. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslaim, Hadith 223, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Cleanliness is half of faith ’ 

Parents can explain that wearing perfume lightly is not about showing off but about honouring the noble guidance of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. When teasing occurs, children can calmly remember that their practice aligns with Sunnah and Allah Almighty’s pleasure, giving them the necessary confidence to continue respectfully. Linking personal care to spiritual growth reinforces resilience, allowing children to navigate social challenges with composure while deeply cherishing their own choices.