Nasai

(1) "Subti shoes" refers to shoes made from tanned leather. They do not have hair on them. In Arabia, it was also customary to wear shoes made from leather with hair. In comparison, subti shoes were considered valuable. There is no harm in wearing them.

(2) Wars and saffron are colored fragrances. Their use on the body is not permissible for men, but it is allowed to dye the hair with them. As for the dyeing of the beard by the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), for its details see Hadith: 5082, 5089, and 5118.

117. Commentary:
➊ "Ablution in shoes" means that if shoes are being worn and they are not closed but rather are like sandals in which ablution (wudu) can be performed, then it is necessary to wash the feet.
➋ By «النِّعَالَ السِّبْتِيَّةَ» is meant shoes made of clean leather. Leather is tanned (dyed) and completely cleaned of hair; in this way, the leather becomes both clean and soft. Such shoes are beautiful and comfortable.

Benefits and Issues:
Just as it is permissible to use henna (mehndi) to redden the beard for the purpose of changing its color, similarly, it is also correct to dye it yellow.

(1) The aforementioned statement of Imam al-Nasa’i rahimahullah is recorded in different ways in various manuscripts of Sunan al-Nasa’i. In one manuscript, the words are: “Wa hadha awla bis-sawab min hadith Abi Qubaybah.” In the Indian edition, the words are: “Wa hadha awla bis-sawab min alladhi qablahu.” In another manuscript, the words are: “Wa hadha awla bis-sawab min hadith Qubaybah.” The commentator of Sunan al-Nasa’i, Allamah Muhammad ibn Ali al-Atiyubi rahimahullah, has considered the last wording to be correct. For details, see (Dhakheerat al-‘Uqba Sharh Sunan al-Nasa’i: 38/87). And Allah knows best.

(2) “Khuluq” is a feminine fragrance that is made by mixing saffron and other ingredients. Its color is yellowish-red. Generally, it is used by women, which is why men have been prohibited from using it. Perhaps, in order to clarify its permissibility, the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam may have used it once or twice on rare occasions. Its use is not appropriate for men. However, if no other fragrance is available, then in a state of necessity, occasional use is permissible. And Allah knows best.

Benefits and Issues:
Some scholars, in light of these ahadith, have interpreted the prohibition of wars (aloe wood) and saffron as being for the purpose of recommendation (tanzih) rather than strict prohibition.