A Muhrim wearing a cloth to which a deodorant is applied
Fatwa No: 138360

Question

I'm expected to leave for my 1st Umrah in 40 days time InshAllah. Please provide an an urgent answer to the following question: I wish to know that if there is any substance which would be permissible to apply during Ihram in order to prevent the foul odour caused by sweating ? As per my understanding, deodorant sprays would be Haraam ......... I would like to know the ruling on using deodorant sticks (roll-ons which are used in the arm-pit area) and using powder ? If using powder is permissible, then what about the ruling on powders which are sold as "perfumed talc powder" ? Are these powders considered perfumes or are they just scent/fragrance ? Would they be permissible in analogy with the the following fatwa ? -------------------------------------------- Question: What is the ruling on cleaning oneself with scented soap and shampoo, for the pilgrim in ihram?. Answer: Praise be to Allaah. There is nothing wrong with the pilgrim in ihram bathing or washing himself. It is proven that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) bathed when he was in ihram. With regard to shampoo, it seems that its scent is not perfume; rather it is a scent and fragrance that is well liked, as in the case of mint and other fragrant leaves. What matters is that whatever is perfume is not permissible for the pilgrim in ihram to use. End quote. Majmoo’ Fataawa Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (22/160) --------------------------------------------

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

A Muhrim (a person in the state of Ihraam) is forbidden from using all kinds of deodorants if they include perfume. It is confirmed that Ibn ‘Umar narrated that the Prophet forbade a person in the state of Ihraam from wearing a cloth that is scented with (perfumes of) Wars or saffron.

Also, if deodorants include a given fragrance, then there are some scholars who are of the view that it is forbidden to use any product that includes a perfume fragrance. Therefore, it is better for a Muslim to avoid anything that includes the scent of perfume.

Allaah Knows best.

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