Question

In the following narration regarding using fragrance on Friday, Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

ولو من طيب المرأة

Is this imitating women?

 

Answer

The part in question is as follows:

‘…And a person should apply whatever fragrance he is able to apply’. One version in Sahih Muslim states, ‘Even if it be his wife’s/a female’s fragrance’

(Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 846)

 

The commentators explain that this Hadith shows emphasis. The Hadith explains that one should use whatever is available. If a person’s wife’s fragrance is the only fragrance available, then he should use this.

Under normal circumstances, this will be makruh. However, Friday is an exception. This shows the emphasis of using fragrance on Jumu’ah.

(Refer: Al Minhaj of ‘Allamah Nawawi, Hadith: 1957, Fathul Bari, Hadith: 880)

 

Note:

1) The fragrance for women, as mentioned in Hadith is that ‘Which its colour is visible but has no scent.’ This is what is referred to in the Hadith in question.

2) The Arabic word used in the Hadith is ‘مس’, which refers to applying the fragrance lightly. (Refer: Fathul Bari, Hadith: 880 and Fathul Mulhim, Hadith: 1930)

3) Kindly refer to a reputable Mufti/Darul Ifta for a Fiqh ruling on this issue.

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

 

Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala

 

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar

 

Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar