Question:
Assalamualikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh
Is it permissible to use body sprays with denatured alcohol for females?
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-Salāmu ‘Alaykum Wa-Rahmatullāhi Wa-Barakātuh.
If the alcohol in such products is not derived from grapes or dates, and there are no other impure ingredients contained, then it is permissible to use such body sprays. [1]
Nevertheless, it important to keep in mind that ladies are only permitted to apply a strong fragrance within the confines of their home in the absence of non-Mahram. The reason being is that applying fragrance when going out in public or in a setting where non-Mahram men may be present can lead to fitnah (temptation) and attract undue attention, which is against the principles of Hijab.
The prophet ﷺ says:
“ أَيُّمَا امْرَأَةٍ اسْتَعْطَرَتْ فَمَرَّتْ عَلَى قَوْمٍ لِيَجِدُوا مِنْ رِيحِهَا فَهِيَ زَانِيَةٌ ”.
‘Any woman who puts on perfume then passes by people so that they can smell her fragrance then she is an adulteress.’” (Sunan an-Nasa’i 5126)
A women may apply (when going out) a very mild fragrance [roll-on etc.] that cannot be smelled by others. As prophet ﷺ:
“ طِيبُ الرِّجَالِ مَا ظَهَرَ رِيحُهُ وَخَفِيَ لَوْنُهُ وَطِيبُ النِّسَاءِ مَا ظَهَرَ لَوْنُهُ وَخَفِيَ رِيحُهُ ”.
“Fragrance for men is that which its scent is apparent and its color is hidden, and fragrance for women is that which its color is visible and its scent is hidden.”(Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2787) [2]
And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best.
Suale Maguene Faine
Student – Darul Iftaa
Mozambique – Pemba
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Muhammad Zakariyya Desai.
