[Q 249] Guidelines on Women’s Perfume Usage in Ihram

Question

Are women allowed to use perfume during Ihram and in general?

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

الجواب بعون الملك الوهاب اللهم هداية الحق والصواب

Answer

A woman can wear perfume before intending for Ihram, but the perfume should be such that its scent does not reach any non-Mahram. It is sinful for a woman to wear a fragrant perfume in the presence of a non-Mahram, hence caution regarding perfume is necessary when there is a possibility of passing by a non-Mahram, such as going outside the home. However, a woman can wear any type of perfume in the presence of her husband, provided the scent does not reach any non-Mahram. It should be noted that once the intention for Ihram is made, a woman, like a man, cannot use any type of perfume.

It is in a sacred Hadith:

“إِذَا اسْتَعْطَرَتْ فَمَرَّتْ بِالْمَجْلِسِ فَهِيَ كَذَا وَكَذَا يَعْنِي زَانِيَةً”

Translation:‏

When the woman uses perfume and she passes by a gathering, then she is like this and that.'” Meaning an adulteress.

(Jami` at-Tirmidhi, 2786, In-Book Reference: Book 43, Hadith 58)

In a noble Hadith it is stated:

“طیب الرجال ما ظھر ریحہ و خفی لونہ وطیب النساء ما ظھر لونہ وخفی ریحہ”

Meaning the perfume for men is that which its scent is apparent and its color is hidden, and the perfume for women is that which its color is apparent and its scent is hidden.

(Jami` at-Tirmidhi, Volume 2, Page 107, Published: Karachi)

In “Mirqaat al-Mafateeh,” Allamah Ali bin Sultan Al-Qari رحمۃ الله علیہ under has stated:

Meaning the command that a woman’s perfume should not be fragrant applies when she is going outside, but when she is with her husband, she can wear whichever perfume she likes.

(Mirqaat al-Mafateeh, Volume 8, Page 299, Published: Multan)

Mufti Ahmad Yar Khan Na’eemi رحمۃ الله علیہ comments under the same Hadith:

Meaning be mindful that a woman should not go out using fragrant items; with her husband, she can wear perfume, and there is no restriction here.

(Miraat al-Manaajih, Volume 6, Page 160, Zia-ul-Quran, Lahore)

Answered by: Mufti Sajid Attari