Soap during Prophet's (SAW) time

Question

Did soap exist during the time of the Prophet (SAW)?

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

We have not come across any Hadith that mentions saboon (soap) during the Prophet's (SAW) time. However, there is mention of khitmi, sidr, and ashnaan; these are particular plants mixed with water to enhance purification.

[عن أم قيس بنت محصن:] حُكِّيهِ بِضِلَعٍ، واغْسِلِيهِ بِماءٍ وسِدْر

أخرجه أبو داود (٣٦٣)

[عن عائشة أم المؤمنين:] كان رسولُ اللهِ ﷺ إذا أرادَ أنْ يُحرِمَ، غسَلَ رأسَه بخِطْميٍّ وأُشْنانٍ

أخرجه أحمد (٢٤٤٩٠)

Sharhul Wiqayah: v. 2, p. 352 (Qadeemi Kutub Khana)

Only Allah knows best

Written by Maulana Mohammad Ahsan Osmani

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham