Katrina Rosales
In Islam, wearing perfume is recommended for men, especially when attending mosques. The Prophet Muhammad wore perfume when going out, and people would know he had passed by because of his scent. However, Muslim women are forbidden from wearing perfume in public or in the presence of non-family men, as it may attract attention. Women are permitted to wear perfume in their homes or in the presence of their husbands or other women.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can Muslim men wear cologne? | Yes, it is lawful for Muslim men to wear cologne or perfume in public. |
| Can Muslim women wear cologne? | No, women are forbidden from wearing cologne or perfume in public. |
| Why the discrepancy? | Men are predominantly involved in physical work and need to use perfume to mask body odour. Women are advised not to wear perfume to avoid attracting the attention of men. |
| Exceptions | Muslim men should not wear cologne during Hajj or Umrah. |
What You'll Learn
The Prophet Muhammad wore perfume
The Prophet Muhammad was very fond of perfume, and it is known to be one of the most powerful gifts one can give. He was a proponent of cleanliness and good scent, and his love for fragrance is highlighted in many hadiths.
The Prophet's favourite perfumes were musk and ambergris, and he would often apply fragrance before going to pray, especially on Fridays. He is quoted in a famous hadith, saying:
> In this world, women and perfume have been made dear to me, and my comfort has been provided in prayer. (An-Nasa’i)
Muhammad's wife, Aisha, would shower him with his favourite perfume whenever he went out to pray or meet his companions. She said:
> I would put a lot of fragrance on the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) to the extent that you could see the shine on his blessed forehead and blessed beard.
The Prophet Muhammad's affinity for perfume is also demonstrated by his refusal to turn down perfume as a gift. He is quoted as saying:
> Anyone who takes a bath on Friday and cleans himself as much as he can and puts oil (on his hair) or scents himself; and then proceeds for the prayer … all his sins in between the present and the last Friday will be forgiven. (Al-Bukhari)
The Prophet Muhammad's love for perfume is also reflected in the teachings that men can wear perfume in public, but women should not. This is because the scent of a woman's perfume could lead to "evil results" in society, as it may cause men to have sexual thoughts.
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Islam encourages grooming and cleanliness
Islam places a high value on cleanliness and personal grooming. The Quran emphasises purity, stating, "Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and those who purify themselves" (Quran 2:222). The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also highlighted the significance of grooming and cleanliness, as reflected in his sayings and practices.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is reported to have kept a well-groomed beard, and many Muslims follow this Sunnah by maintaining and regularly trimming their beards. This practice is seen as an expression of adherence to Islamic tradition and personal discipline.
Maintaining short and clean nails is another important aspect of grooming in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is reported to have said, "Trim your nails regularly" (Sahih Muslim). This practice aligns with the Sunnah and promotes personal hygiene.
The removal of underarm and pubic hair is considered part of the fitrah, the natural disposition that Islam encourages its followers to maintain. This practice promotes cleanliness and prevents unpleasant odours.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasised the importance of using perfume, stating, "Whoever is offered a scent, let him not refuse it" (Sahih Muslim). Applying a pleasant fragrance is a practice of cleanliness and an expression of personal grooming and respect towards others.
Wearing clean and modest clothing is also essential in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encouraged wearing clean clothes, saying, "Allah is beautiful and loves beauty" (Sahih Muslim). Cleanliness in attire reflects one's respect for oneself and others.
In addition to these practices, Islam also recommends brushing teeth regularly, preferably with a siwak (a toothbrush made from a twig), as well as taking regular baths or showers to maintain bodily cleanliness.
These grooming standards in Islam are deeply rooted in the principles of cleanliness and personal care. By following these practices, Muslims not only adhere to Islamic teachings but also enhance their overall well-being and spiritual connection.
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Men are required to go out and work
The Islamic faith emphasises the inner and outer aspects of a person. The Prophet Muhammad is described as having pleasant speech, a calm demeanour, and a pleasing scent. A Muslim man should strive to follow in his footsteps, and part of this is to smell good.
The use of perfume is recommended for Muslim men, especially when attending mosques. However, it is forbidden for men to wear perfume when in the state of Ihram during Hajj or Umrah.
The Prophet Muhammad differentiated between the perfumes used by men and women. The perfume used by men should have an odour but no colour, whereas women's perfume should have a colour but no odour. This is because women are not supposed to reveal their ornaments, except those that are normally visible.
In addition, the restrictions on women's attire and behaviour are in harmony with their role as guardians of chastity and sexual morality, and that homemaking is their primary role in society. Women have greater control over their sexual drive than men, and this is supported by scientific data and the prevalence of rape committed by men.
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Women are discouraged from wearing perfume in public
In Islam, women are discouraged from wearing perfume in public because it is believed that doing so could provoke or tempt men. According to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), "Any woman who puts on perfume and passes by people so that they can smell her fragrance is a zaaniyah (adulteress). This ruling is based on the belief that a woman's inherent nature is to be shy and chaste, and that she should not pursue men or cause temptation. Therefore, wearing perfume in public is seen as a form of adornment that should be reserved for her husband and not displayed to non-mahram men.
The ruling on women wearing perfume in public is based on the principle of modesty and purity of heart, as well as the social and historical context of the Prophet Muhammad's teachings. In the Qur’an (24:30, 31), men and women are advised to guard their gazes when in the presence of each other, and women are advised not to reveal their ornaments or adornments except to their husbands and close male relatives. Perfume is considered an adornment, and thus wearing it in public is discouraged.
However, there are some exceptions to this ruling. Women are permitted to wear perfume when they are with their husbands, as it is recommended for wives to adorn themselves and use perfume to increase love and affection between spouses. Additionally, women may wear light perfumes to dispel bad odours and sweating, as long as they avoid provocative scents. If a woman is going to a gathering for women only and will not be passing through streets or mixing with men, then it is permissible for her to wear perfume.
The ruling on wearing perfume in public also applies to men to some extent. While they are not forbidden from wearing perfume, they are advised to use fragrances that do not have a strong odour that may provoke or tempt women. Men are also encouraged to be modest and cautious when it comes to their dress, style, and attitude to avoid affecting their own purity of heart or the hearts of those they interact with.
Overall, the discouragement of women from wearing perfume in public in Islam is based on the principles of modesty, purity, and avoiding temptation. While there are some exceptions, the general ruling is that women should avoid wearing perfume when going out to public places, especially if there is a possibility of encountering non-mahram men.
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Alcohol in perfume is considered 'pure' and permissible
In Islam, it is generally permissible for men to wear perfume when going out in public, unlike women, who are not supposed to do so. The Prophet Muhammad liked perfume and would wear it when going out.
Islamic law holds that all things are deemed pure, and that not all forbidden things are considered impure. For example, drugs and poisons are forbidden, but they are not considered impure. Similarly, gold and silk are unlawful for men, but they are not considered impure and can be touched.
According to juristic rulings, perfumes containing alcohol are considered pure and permissible to use. Alcohol is not considered wine or a liquid intoxicant, but rather a toxicant substance that is harmful and destructive. It is the act of drinking alcohol that is forbidden, not its presence in other substances.
Some scholars differentiate between types of alcohol, such as ethyl alcohol, which is intoxicating and considered filth, and cetyl alcohol, which is not intoxicating and thus not considered filth. The Shafi'i school of jurisprudence maintains that alcohol is not filth in itself and can be used in manufacturing perfumes, detergents, medicine, and other useful items.
Therefore, Muslim men can wear cologne containing alcohol, as it is considered pure and permissible under Islamic law.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Muslim men are allowed to wear cologne, and it is considered a requirement for daily activities and religious obligations. The Prophet Muhammad wore cologne, and it is said that people would know he had passed by because of his scent.
According to hadith, women are not to wear perfume in public as it may attract the attention of men. However, this ruling changes depending on the societal norms of the culture in which the wearer lives. For example, if wearing perfume is so normal that it does not create any ill thoughts in men, then it is acceptable for women to wear perfume in public in that society.
Muslim men can wear cologne that is oil-based or alcohol-based. Some scholars argue that it is best to use perfumes that are free of alcohol, as alcohol can be damaging to the skin. However, the alcohol used in perfumes is not meant for consumption and is considered "pure", so it is permissible to use.
