Katrina Rosales
Burning incense is a traditional practice in many religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Shinto. But what about in Islam? Is it permissible for Muslims to burn incense, and if so, what are the guidelines surrounding its use? The use of incense among Muslims is a controversial topic, with some scholars arguing that it is permissible to use it for perfuming mosques, while others consider it an act of polytheism and thus forbidden.
Can Muslims burn incense?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Burning incense to drive away demons or evil spirits | There is no basis for this in Islam |
| Burning incense to ward off the effect of the evil eye | Considered an act of polytheism, and a Muslim who believes in the Oneness of Allah should avoid it |
| Burning incense to perfume mosques | Recommended act in Islam |
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What You'll Learn
Burning incense to ward off evil spirits
Burning incense has a long history in many cultures and religions, including Islam. While some believe that burning specific herbs and incense can ward off evil spirits, there is no basis in Islam for the belief that burning incense will drive away demons or evil spirits. In Islam, it is taught that one can keep devils and evils away by seeking refuge and protection with Allah and reading the Quran.
Burning incense for pleasant smells is acceptable in Islam, as long as it is not associated with wrong beliefs or specific prohibitions. For example, it is prohibited for women to burn incense and then go out in public where many people will smell the fragrance on them. This is because, in Islam, it is believed that perfume should be removed before attending 'Isha', and that one should perform Ghusl to remove perfume just as one would perform Ghusl to remove Janabah (impurity following sexual activity).
Historically, incense has been used in Islamic cultures for blessing and spell-casting. For instance, in Egypt, incense blessing sessions were commonly performed by housewives or incense men, who would walk around with a brass pot of burning incense and charcoal, whispering words of blessing or religious verses. Incense was also used in ancient Egypt during mummification, as the pleasant odour was believed to be favoured by the gods and helped to purify the corpse.
Certain herbs and types of incense are believed to have anti-diabolic powers and are used to vanquish evil spirits. For example, Habbet al-Baraka (black cumin), musk, dates, anise, and pomegranate are used in incense to ward off evil spirits. Additionally, specific incense combinations are believed to bring love, protection, health, luck, and money when burned.
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Burning incense to seek blessings
It is permissible for Muslims to burn incense or oil to enjoy pleasant smells, as long as it is not associated with any false beliefs or specific prohibitions. For example, there is a prohibition regarding women burning incense before going out, as the fragrance may be noticeable to others.
Islamic scholars have stated that there is no basis for the belief that burning incense will drive away demons or evil spirits. Instead, Muslims are advised to seek refuge and protection with Allah and to recite specific verses from the Quran, such as Surat Al-Baqarah, to keep away evil influences.
Therefore, while Muslims may burn incense for pleasant smells, it is important to avoid associating it with seeking blessings or protection from evil, as this contradicts the teachings of Islam.
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Burning incense during prayer
According to some sources, the Prophet Muhammad did burn incense to make his house and mosque smell pleasant. It is narrated that he ordered places of prayer to be established in houses and that they be cleansed and perfumed. This is supported by a narration from 'Aishah, who stated that the Messenger of Allah commanded that places of prayer be purified and perfumed.
However, it is important to note that the use of incense should not be associated with any false beliefs or superstitions. Burning incense with the intention of seeking blessings, warding off evil, or repelling fear is considered an act of innovation, superstition, and Shirk (polytheism) in Islam. Muslims believe in the Oneness of Allah and should avoid any practices that may suggest otherwise.
Additionally, there is a specific prohibition regarding burning incense for women. According to a narration from Abu Hurairah, the Messenger of Allah said that any woman who has been perfumed with incense should not attend 'Isha' with them. This suggests that the strong fragrance of incense on women may not be appropriate when they are in the presence of others.
In conclusion, burning incense during prayer is permissible in Islam as long as it is used solely for the purpose of creating a pleasant fragrance and is not associated with any superstitious or polytheistic beliefs. It is important for Muslims to understand the context and intentions behind the use of incense and ensure that it aligns with the teachings of Islam and the Prophet Muhammad.
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Burning incense in mosques
Ibn Hajar, for instance, deduced from the Hadeeth that it is advisable to perfume mosques with incense. However, Maalik, another scholar, disagreed and considered it undesirable. Additionally, there are narrations from 'Aishah that support the idea of purifying and perfuming places of prayer, which would include mosques.
On the other hand, it is important to note that burning incense should not be associated with any false beliefs or superstitions about protection from evil spirits. Islam does not support the idea that incense possesses any special power to expel "jinn" or evil forces. Instead, the use of incense should be solely for enjoying pleasant smells within the mosque premises.
Furthermore, while incense is permissible in mosques, there are specific guidelines for women regarding the use of perfume when going out in public. According to a narration from Abu Hurairah, the Messenger of Allah requested that women who have been perfumed with incense should not attend 'Isha' gatherings where many people will be present and smell the strong fragrance on them.
In conclusion, burning incense in mosques is generally acceptable in Islam, provided it is used for the right reasons and with consideration for certain guidelines, such as the avoidance of strong fragrances that may be overpowering in a public space.
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Burning incense in the home
According to certain Islamic sources, using incense to perfume mosques and prayer spaces within homes is considered a recommended act. This recommendation is based on narrations stating that the Messenger of Allah ordered the building of places for prayer in houses and instructed that they be cleansed and perfumed. However, it is important to note that this practice is not universally accepted among Muslim scholars, as some, like Maalik, considered it to be disliked.
On the other hand, some Muslims believe that seeking blessings from incense or using it to ward off evil eyes, fear, or negative entities is not aligned with the Islamic principle of the Oneness of Allah (Tawhid). They consider such practices to be acts of innovation, superstition, or Shirk-related (associating partners with Allah). Instead, they emphasize that Muslims should solely rely on Allah for protection and blessings rather than attributing power to external objects or practices.
Additionally, there is no basis in Islamic teachings that burning incense will drive away demons, devils, or evil spirits. Muslims who believe in the Oneness of Allah are advised to avoid such practices and instead focus on their faith and prescribed religious rituals to seek protection and blessings. While the use of incense for perfuming spaces may be permissible, attributing supernatural powers to it is generally discouraged.
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Frequently asked questions
Muslims can burn incense to perfume their mosques or homes. However, burning incense to ward off evil spirits or for blessings is considered an act of polytheism and should be avoided.
Yes, it is a recommended act in Islam to burn incense for perfuming mosques.
No, burning incense with the belief that it will drive away evil spirits is an act of polytheism and is not permissible in Islam.
Burning incense for blessings or good luck is considered an act of polytheism and is not recommended for Muslims.
