Understanding the Core Principle of Fasting
To answer the question, "Does applying attar break fast?", one must first understand the core principles that invalidate a fast in Islamic law. A fast is a period of abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations from dawn until sunset, undertaken for spiritual purposes. The invalidating actions are those that allow a substance to enter the body through a cavity that leads to the stomach, thereby providing some form of nourishment. This is the fundamental reason why simply smelling or applying a fragrance, like attar, is not considered a nullification of the fast.
The Permissibility of Attar and Perfumes
Leading Islamic authorities, including the Permanent Committee for Islamic Research and Ifta, have explicitly stated that applying fragrances and perfumes does not break the fast. The reasoning is straightforward: attar is an external application to the skin or clothes and does not involve any form of ingestion. It is akin to wearing clothing or bathing during the day, both of which are permissible while fasting. Just as one's fast is not broken by smelling the scent of food, it is also not broken by smelling the pleasant fragrance of attar. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was known to have a great love for perfumes, and using scent is a recommended practice in Islam.
The Nuance: Incense vs. Attar
An important distinction must be made between applying attar and inhaling incense. While attar is an oil-based perfume applied to the body, incense produces smoke or particles that can be intentionally inhaled. Scholars advise against intentionally inhaling incense smoke while fasting, as the particles can travel through the nose and into the throat or stomach, which could potentially invalidate the fast. If someone accidentally inhales incense smoke, their fast remains valid, but intentional inhalation should be avoided.
Comparison of Attar and Incense During Fasting
| Feature | Attar Application (Permissible) | Incense Inhalation (Impermissible Intentionally) |
|---|---|---|
| Substance | Concentrated oil applied to skin or clothing | Smoke and fine particles from burning material |
| Route of Entry | External application; no ingestion | Intentional inhalation into nasal cavity and throat |
| Effect on Fast | No invalidation; no substance enters body cavities | Potential invalidation if intentionally inhaled, as particles can reach the stomach |
| Ruling | Permissible by scholarly consensus | Forbidden to inhale intentionally while fasting |
| Risk of Ingestion | Minimal to none | High, due to particulate nature of smoke |
Best Practices for Using Attar While Fasting
For those who wish to maintain their spiritual reflection and personal hygiene during a fast, using attar is a simple and approved practice.
- Apply Before Fasting: Apply the attar before dawn (Suhoor) to enjoy its effects throughout the day without concern.
- Use in Moderation: As a courtesy, particularly when in public spaces like a mosque, use a light application to avoid inconveniencing others with strong scents.
- Focus on Pulse Points: Apply to pulse points like the wrists or neck for a subtle, lasting fragrance.
- Choose Alcohol-Free Attars: While the alcohol in commercial perfumes does not invalidate a fast according to most scholars, traditional attars are inherently alcohol-free and are often preferred for religious contexts.
- Use After Ablution (Wudu): Applying attar after performing your ablution can enhance the feeling of spiritual cleanliness.
Conclusion: Clarity on the Ruling
In conclusion, applying attar to the body or clothing is completely permissible and does not break a fast. The key distinction in Islamic law is between an external application and the internal ingestion of a substance that provides nourishment, a condition which attar does not meet. The only cautionary note applies to the intentional inhalation of incense or other smoke-based substances, which should be avoided to prevent fine particles from entering the digestive tract. Muslims can therefore enjoy the spiritual and personal benefits of attar without any fear of compromising their fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is it permissible to use any kind of perfume while fasting?
Answer: Yes, it is permissible to use any perfume, including sprays and oils, as long as it is applied externally and not intentionally ingested or inhaled deeply.
Q2: What is the ruling on inhaling incense (bukhoor) while fasting?
Answer: It is not permissible to intentionally inhale the smoke of incense (bukhoor) while fasting, as the smoke contains particles that could be considered to be entering the body.
Q3: Does accidentally smelling a fragrance, like perfume from someone else, break my fast?
Answer: No, accidentally smelling a fragrance from the air or from another person does not break your fast, as it was not done intentionally to consume a substance.
Q4: Does applying deodorant while fasting break the fast?
Answer: No, applying deodorant does not break the fast. Like attar, it is an external application and does not involve ingesting any substance.
Q5: What is the difference between attar and alcohol-based perfumes in relation to fasting?
Answer: The ruling regarding breaking the fast is the same for both: external application of either does not break the fast. However, traditional attars are alcohol-free, which some Muslims may prefer for religious reasons.
Q6: If I apply attar, does it invalidate my fast if I later taste it or lick my lips?
Answer: If you accidentally taste a trace of attar from your lips, it does not invalidate your fast, similar to how an accidental taste of food does not. However, deliberately licking and swallowing it would be invalidating.
Q7: Can a fasting person smell flowers or natural aromas?
Answer: Yes, smelling flowers or other natural, non-particulate aromas is perfectly permissible and does not affect the validity of a fast.
