Date : 24-07-2019

Question :

Is it permissible to use perfumed soap, shampoo or cream while in the state of Ihram?


The Answer :

Praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds.



According to scholarly consensus, it isn`t permissible to wear perfume during Ihram because the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) has forbidden that as reflected in the following narration: A man asked the Prophet (PBUH): "What (kinds of clothes) should a Muhrim (a Muslim intending to perform `Umra or Hajj) wear? He replied, "He should not wear a shirt, a turban, trousers, a head cloak or garment scented with saffron or Wars (kinds of perfumes).'{Bukhari and Muslim}. Al-Shirbini (May Allah be pleased with him) said, "While in the state of Ihram, it isn`t permissible for a man or a woman to wear perfume-which is normally applied for its scent-even if it was mixed with another material, such as Musk, aloes, camphor and Wars."{Moghni Al-Mohtaaj, 6/132}.



Even if the perfume is mixed with another material, it isn`t allowed to use it so long as it is normally applied for its scent. Ba`ishin, a Shafie scholars, said, "Perfume refers to what is normally worn for its smell, such as Musk, aloe, wars and camphor……unlike that which is used for treatment or food, even if it smelled nice."{Shareh Al-Mokhadimah Al-Hadramiyyah, 662}. In principle, the perfumed soap isn`t used for its scent, as the latter comes with it, and thus scholars consider it permissible.



In conclusion, there is nothing wrong with using perfumed soap, tissues and creams, while in the state of Ihram, because mostly they aren`t perfumes. Rather, they are different flavors: mint, apple and the like. And Allah they almighty knows best.