Question= Scents in Cairo

[Sa`id]

As-Salamu `alaykum wa rahmatu Llahi wa barakatuh

A short introduction as this is my first post I believe:

My name is Sa`id, a student applied linguistics (Dutch-Arabic-English), and a beginner on the path in the world of `Oud.

Al-hamdu li Llah, I am staying in Cairo right now, and I am wondering if anyone knows where I can find good quality perfumes, mukhallats, or essential oils; meaning pure fragrances, without chemicals, dop, and what have you.

Regarding the price range, not too expensive right now. . . say 70$ max (which is why I am not asking for quality `Oud).

I tried several shops in the Khan al-Khalili, but I found nothing really appealing (they are cheap though of course).

Allah yikhallikum

Wa s-Salam

Sa`id

 

[Ensar Oud]

Wa alaikum as salaam, Sa'id, and welcome to the forum. I've been to Cairo twice, and had a hard time finding food "without chemicals, dop, and what have you" - let alone perfumes and essential oils. Egypt is a poor country, may Allah bless and prosper it, and people cannot afford such things there. Supply & demand (it should be termed demand and supply, actually) and cheap synthetic fragrances is all you get.

While in Egypt, do not look for worldly scents, my brother. I advise you to pay a visit to the maqam of ibn al Farid, the sultan of the lovers. Give him my salams, and read a Fatiha for me there, and in sha Allah, you will experience a scent unlike any created sensory thing can provide. The scent of sainthood which reigns supreme in that blessed space. Then if you have time, you might visit ibn Ata Illah, and the Wafa'iyyah; imam al Shafii, and many other saints.

It takes 45 minutes to fly from Cairo to Amman, and if you have the time and the desire, you are most welcome to pay us a visit. We'll do our utmost to keep you finely scented while you're here, and you can pick up a bottle or two to take back with you to Cairo. Only don't be surprised if we decide to tag along on your way back, just so we could visit the friends of God that are buried in Cairo, may Allah's good pleasure be upon them, one and all.

Was salam

 

[Sa`id]

Al-hamdu li Llah 'ala kulli hal. All praise to God for every state and circumstance.

Thank you for your answer, Sidi Ensar.

I will take your advice and visit ibn al-Farid soon, in sha' Allah.
Al-hamdu li Llah, Cairo is a real ocean when it comes to maqams, ma sha' Allah.

In little over a month I will be visiting the Hayy for a period of ten days, in sha' Allah, so I hope to see you there.

Bi 'l-tawfiq,
Wa s-Salamu 'alaykum wa rahmatu Llah

 

[Ensar Oud]

Alhan wa sahlan, Sidi. We all look forward to your visit.