When it comes to perfume, we may not know everything about it. Especially in terms of religion, we must be aware of dos and don’ts.
Being a Muslim and a perfume enthusiast, I have also been in the dilemma of wearing perfume while fasting.
However, I know there may be a lot of contradicting information, but I have thoroughly researched and gathered all that you need to know.
So, let’s find out if perfume breaks fast or not.
Is Perfume Haram Or Halal In Islam
Over the years there have been many debates among Islamic scholars about the proper usage of perfume. Some say it’s prohibited due to the presence of alcohol while the rest proclaim it is permitted as long as it is not excessive.
Along with diverse interpretations, if you are perplexed about the perfumes that are permissible for Muslims and whether it’s haram or halal then let me clarify it for you.
Well, in Islam using perfumes without any alcoholic content is considered halal. For hundreds of years fragrances have been entwined as a part of Islamic history.
According to many hadiths and Islamic teachings, cleanliness is given the utmost importance. So using perfumes is a way to enhance personal hygiene and beauty.
Even The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated in The Book of Purification that ‘’Cleanliness is half of the faith’’.
He encouraged the usage of perfumes that are non-alcoholic and made with natural fragrance oils.
Does Perfume Break Fast?
No, wearing perfume does not break your fast. Moreover, using scents, attars, and scented soaps while fasting is permissible. However, many religious scholars suggest avoiding fragrances during spiritual activities and fasting hours, if they cause distraction.
Even though perfume doesn’t break your fast, it is forbidden to inhale incense or any powdered fragrances such as musk. It contains particles that may reach the stomach through the nose.
Therefore, when it comes to the use of perfumes, practicing Muslims should follow certain guidelines to avoid any misconceptions.
So if you are interested in knowing the factors that make fragrances haram and break your fast then keep reading!
Wearing Perfume During Fasting
The Prophet highlighted the significance of purification as a religious practice. It can be worn inoffensively at any social gathering or other religious activity. So wearing perfumes during fasting is safe.
But do you know there are common ingredients in perfume that can break your fast?
Let’s point out the factors that make fragrances haram during Ramadan:
- The fragrances should be free from using any ingredients that are listed as haram or prohibited in Islam. This includes alcohol and animal-derived substances.
- The substances or extracts should be ethically harvested and processed before using in fragrances.
- It is not permissible to inhale the smell of frankincense or smoke because it contains particles that, if inhaled, may reach the stomach through the nose.
- If someone intentionally sprays the perfume in the nose and inhales it frequently, then the fast would become invalid.
So it is permissible to wear fragrances during Ramadan but make sure your fragrances don’t contain musk and other forbidden ingredients, making the fragrance haram.
Perfume And Fasting According to Shia’s Culture
Most importantly, as per Shia culture, the use of perfumes does not affect the fast; instead, it is recommended for the person who is fasting.
Shia Islam is the second largest branch of Islam after Sunni Islam. And they also follow the teachings of Muhammad and his family’s religious guidance (who are referred to as the Ahl al-Bayt) or his descendants – known as Shia Imams.
Is Perfume Allowed During Prayer?
It is a well-known fact that perfumes consist of alcohol. On the other hand, the consumption of alcohol is forbidden in Islam.
Therefore, constant debate remains about wearing perfume and carrying out your Islamic duties.
However, there is nothing wrong with using alcohol-based perfumes on the body and clothes, and that does not affect the validity of your prayer.
Cleanliness and fragrance are always prioritized as good sunnah for men.
During early times the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), used to wear perfumes before heading to the Mosque on Fridays. He even encouraged his companions and followers to do the same.
Therefore, there is no harm if you use fragrances during prayers and other religious activities.
Does Alcohol Perfume Break Fast?
Perfumes are made from a blend of essential oil, alcohol, and water. And alcohol plays a vital role in creating the overall structure of a fragrance.
For instance, alcohol is the main carrier of fragrance oil and evaporates faster as it is warmed by your skin’s temperature, releasing the fragrances evenly over the surface.
Indeed, Allah has absolutely forbidden the consumption of all types of intoxicants for us believers. There is no harm if you spray an alcohol-based fragrance on your clothes, as long as it is not consumed.
However, some specific guidelines include that one should avoid wearing fragrances that contain alcohol manufactured from grapes, barley, and dates.
This means if you want to wear alcoholic fragrances in Ramadan they must be processed ethically relying completely on synthetic chemicals and naturally extracted essential oils.
According to the Halal Products Research Institute (HPRI) of the University Putra Malaysia, alcohol use in products like perfumes is permitted under Islamic laws.
Furthermore, a fascinating perspective on perfumes has been answered by an Islamic scholar who presents the following view:
It is clear that the presence of any kind of impurities can invalidate your prayer. However, everything that is forbidden in Islam is not considered impure or haram.
For instance in Islam silk and gold are declared to be haram only for men. On the other hand, the essence of gold and silk is not impure or haram.
Similarly, the consumption of alcohol is harmful to Muslims, but alcohol as a substance is not considered impure as long as it is not consumed for intoxication.
So it’s transparent that you can wear perfume, especially during fasting. It is not prohibited, and it will not break your fast.
Moreover, due to the intoxicating nature of alcohol in fragrances, I have also noticed many people often ask does fragrance help you sleep? The answer may surprise you.
Specific Guidelines Regarding Perfume For Men and Women In Ramadan
In Islam, there are some etiquettes in wearing perfumes during Ramadan. Even though fragrances emphasize modesty, and cleanliness they shouldn’t be overbearing and irritating to others.
Whether it is male or female anyone can wear fragrances while fasting unless they contain a higher percentage of alcohol that causes intoxication.
However, in the case of women, the rules for wearing perfumes change slightly as it depends if she is wearing it in front of or together with their husband or a stranger.
Based on various religious translations and hadiths, a woman should not wear perfume in public which can attract the attention of men evoking a lustful desire.
Scholars also include that there is no prohibition on wearing any perfume she desires, in her house, in front of her husband, or family, or while accompanying other women.
Popular Oud Fragrances To Wear During Ramadan
According to the verse of The Prophet Muhammad PBUH oud is regarded as the precious treasure element of Mother Earth. He is reported to have said ‘’the best of your perfume is oud’’
Thus his fondness for such natural and pure elements underscores the significance of oud-centric fragrances in Islamic tradition and culture.
So don’t you think the smell of oud happens to be the perfect fragrance for Ramadan?
Well for this reason in the following section, I have revealed several oud-based fragrances that you can wear undoubtedly throughout the month of Ramadan.
Here are the popular fragrances that contain an exquisite blend of oud with other elements to create an alluring aroma:
Oud Satin Mood Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Oud Satin Mood by MFK is one of the best niche perfumes you can find today. This amber woody fragrance unfolds with a gorgeous, sweet essence of roses and vanilla.
Oud takes over its core flourishing an addictive and powerful aroma, giving you an amazing Middle Eastern vibe during the month of Ramadan.
However, you can also try other similar oud-centric perfumes like Oud Satin Mood if you love the aroma of the OG.
Lancôme Oud Bouquet
Oud Bouquet is a mesmerizing amber woody floral composition from Lancome. It has a traditional touch of agarwood which makes it more appealing.
This perfume reveals a deep flowery aroma or rose with a caramelized nutty flavor. Later the perfume changes into a bold, addictive woody nuance and finishes off with the evocative smell of oud.
Oud for Greatness Initio Parfums Prives
Oud For Greatness is a unisex fragrance that helps you to stand out among the crowd. It has a strong, woody texture of oud in its core that mingles with the delicate floral aroma of saffron and lavender.
Upon settling on the sensual base of musk and patchouli, the raw power of oud in this fragrance makes you look more sophisticated, bold, and confident.
Additionally, if you love the radiance and depth of this cologne, then you can have a look at some colognes similar to Oud for Greatness Initio Parfums Prives and enjoy their unique blends.
Conclusion
Wearing fragrance can be a habit for you or a passion for you. I understand how daunting it can get when you don’t know how Islam interprets fragrances.
Luckily, in Islam, wearing perfumes, even if they are alcohol-based, is allowed. And it will not break your fast.
Therefore, feel free to wear your favorite perfume whenever you want.
So what are your thoughts on wearing perfumes? Do share them in the comment section below.
