❀ Ruling for a Fasting Person on Smelling Fragrance
Source: Fatāwā Arkan-e-Islam
✦ The Question
What is the Islamic ruling on a fasting person smelling fragrances during the day in Ramadan?
✦ Shar‘i Answer
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, Ammā Baʿd!
✔ It is permissible for a fasting person to smell fragrances, whether in the form of perfumed oil or incense (bukhoor)—with some conditions.
➊ ❀ Fragrance in the Form of Perfumed Oil
◈ Smelling perfumes, attar, or oils is permissible.
◈ There is no Shar‘i restriction, and it does not affect the fast.
➋ ❀ Fragrance in the Form of Bukhoor (Incense, Agarbatī, Lubān)
◈ In this case, caution is required.
◈ A fasting person should avoid intentionally inhaling the smoke, because:
✔ The smoke contains fine particles,
✔ Which can enter the stomach through the nose or throat.
◈ If these particles reach the stomach, it is treated like eating or drinking, and therefore:
⚠ The fast would be broken.
➌ ❀ Smelling Fragrance Without Inhaling
◈ If the fragrance is smelled passively, without intentionally drawing it into the nose,
◈ There is no harm, and the fast remains valid.
✔ Conclusion:
| Type of Fragrance | Ruling While Fasting |
|---|---|
 Perfumed oil/attar | Permissible — no issue |
| ⚠ Bukhoor smoke (intentionally inhaled) | Not permissible — breaks the fast |
| Smelling fragrance passively | Permissible — no harm |
❀ In summary, merely smelling fragrance does not break the fast,
but intentionally inhaling incense smoke should be avoided, as it may affect the validity of the fast.
ھٰذَا مَا عِندِي وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَابِ
