Question

What is the reference of this Hadith?

It is narrated that Umar ibn al-Khattab went out on the day of ‘Eid and passed by a group of women. He noticed a scent emanating from the head of a woman and remarked, “Who is the companion of this fragrance?” If I knew her, I would have surely did that and that” A woman’s fragrance is reserved for her husband”

Answer

Imam Abu Bakr ibn Abi Shaybah (rahimahullah) has recorded this narration

Sayyiduna ‘Umar ibnul Khattab (radiyallahu ‘anhu) once passed by some women on the Day of ‘Eid. He noticed a fragrant scent emanating from the head of one of the women. He said, “From who is this fragrance emanating? Had I known her, I would have done such and such [i.e., rebuked her]. A woman should only be applying scent for her husband. When she emerges from her home, she should wear old clothing or her slave’s old clothing [i.e., she should be properly covered so that she does not attract lustful glances]

(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah: 26862)

The narrators are reliable.

See other Hadiths of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) prohibiting women from applying fragrance when leaving the home here and here.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

__________

التخريج من المصادر العربية

مصنف ابن أبي شيبة: (١٣/ ٤٢٣)
(٢٦٨٦٢) – حدثنا وكيع، عن الأعمش، عن إبراهيم، أن عمر بن الخطاب خرج يوم عيد، فمر بالنساء، فوجد ريح رأس امرأة فقال: من صاحبة هذا؟ أما لو عرفتها لفعلت وفعلت، إنما تطيب المرأة لزوجها، فإذا خرجت لبست أطيمرها، أو أطيمر خادمها، فتحدث النساء، أنها قامت عن حدث.

تعليق العلامة محمد عوامة (حفظه الله):
(٢٦٨٦٢) – الطِّمر: الثوب الخَلق البالي، والأطيمر: تصغير تحقير له، يريد عمر رضي الله عنه: أن تخرج المرأة بحجاب لا يلفت نظر الرجال إليها.