Right Foot First

Aisha (RA) narrated:  “The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to like to start from the right side on wearing shoes, combing his hair and cleaning or washing himself and on doing anything else”  (Bukhari)                                                                   

Story

The renowned Moulana Ilyas rahmatullahi alaih was in the final stage of his life when he indicated to those around him that he required their assistance to remove his socks. He was at the time unable to speak and was communicating by gestures.

As the people tried to remove his socks, he would however draw his legs back and indicate towards something. This cycle took place a number of times. As a result the people called the Moulana’s son, Moulana Yusuf (rh) to help them.

Upon arrival Moulana Yusuf was informed of the situation. He asked the people to show him how they were trying to remove his father’s socks. Upon observation, Moulana Yusuf noticed that they were trying to remove his father’s socks from the right foot first.

Moulana Yusuf was well aware of his father’s adherence to the Sunnah and immediately understood that his father wanted his left sock removed first (sunnah method). Thus it was only when his left sock was removed first and then his right that he lay back with ease.”