—would never take a road and have someone come after him without that follower immediately realizing that he had passed by, owing to the fragrance of his perspiration.

Likewise, in the famous account of Umm Maʿbad: when the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—passed by her during the Hijrah together with Abu Bakr, his attendant, and their guide, her husband returned and asked, “Describe him to me, O Umm Maʿbad.” She replied:

“I saw a man of radiant countenance and sweet speech—clear, neither too brief nor excessive—his words like perfectly strung pearls cascading in order.”