What Is The Ruling On Wearing Perfume During Ramadan?

What Is The Ruling On Wearing Perfume During Ramadan?

The ruling on wearing perfume for a fasting person is the subject of our discussion. Wearing perfume is one of the strongly recommended Sunnahs and one of the main characteristics of the tradition of the Prophets and Imams (peace be upon them), especially the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him and his family).

It is said that according to the Prophetic tradition, buying perfume for him was prioritized over preparing food, and in a narration from Imam Sadiq (peace be upon him), he exempted the use of perfume from the category of extravagance.

Using perfume and making oneself fragrant is counted among the recommended acts in Islam and has always been encouraged by the Noble Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family). It is even recommended for worshippers to enter prayer with a good appearance and perfume, out of respect and reverence for the greatness of God.

Regardless of its recommendation, socially and in today’s times — considering crowded places like buses and subways, busy activities, heat, and sweating — the importance and even necessity of wearing perfume to respect public rights, maintain dignity, and prevent discomfort to sensitive noses cannot be ignored.

This necessity makes the question very important for a fasting person who wants to be mindful of all aspects of obedience to God.

Since the scent of perfume usually enters the throat through the nasal passages, the question arises whether this invalidates fasting. However, according to Imam Khomeini (may God bless him), using cologne and perfume does not invalidate fasting; rather, it is considered a gift for the fasting person.

However, perfume-wearing is distinct in fasting jurisprudence from smelling fragrant plants (riyahin), for which a different ruling is given.

None of the Shia jurists have considered wearing perfume by a fasting person as disliked (makruh); some even consider it recommended (mustahabb). There are clear and authentic narrations supporting and even recommending the use of perfume for fasting individuals.

Why Is Wearing Perfume Considered A Gift During Fasting?

This subtle point is important: why is perfume-wearing not considered a gift to others in ordinary times, but during fasting it is regarded as a gift? The answer lies in understanding the act of gift-giving: when a person gives a gift, the intention is to express love and respect to another, while the giver does not benefit from the gift themselves.

Similarly, the pleasant smell of a fasting person’s perfume is not for their own enjoyment, but to give pleasure to others. This is a delicate and logical answer for those concerned whether a fasting person should wear perfume.

Views of Religious Authorities on Wearing Perfume During Ramadan

Ayatollah Khamenei’s View on Wearing Perfume While Fasting

Question: What is the ruling on using perfume for a fasting person during Ramadan?

Answer: Using perfume is recommended (mustahabb) for a fasting person; however, smelling fragrant plants (riyahin) is disliked (makruh).

Ayatollah Sistani’s View on Wearing Perfume While Fasting

Question: What is the ruling on using perfume and cologne for a fasting person?

Answer: It is not prohibited.

Ayatollah al-Uzma Khamenei also addressed two questions from followers about using perfume and injections during Ramadan:

Question: Can a fasting person inject ampoules or serum?

Answer: As a precaution, a fasting person should avoid injecting strengthening or nutritive ampoules or those injected into veins and various serums, but injections for anesthesia or for applying medicine on wounds and injuries are permissible.

Question: What is the ruling on using perfume for a fasting person in Ramadan?

Answer: Using perfume is recommended (mustahabb), but smelling fragrant plants is disliked (makruh).