Answer: In response to your question, it is highly recommended to use fragrance or perfume for the deceased. The white shroud used for the deceased should be scented, and the fragrance (such as Attar or perfume) should be applied three times. This is based on the hadith narrated by Imam Ahmed in his Musnad and Ibn Abi Shaibah in his Musannaf, on the authority of Jabir ibn Abdullah (May Allah be pleased with him). This hadith was authenticated by Imam al-Nawawi and by Sheikh Muhammad Nasiruddin al-Albani.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“If you are going to anoint the deceased with fragrance, then do so three times.” (Musnad Ahmad:14540)
This hadith clearly indicates that using fragrance for the deceased is recommended (mustahabb).
Additionally, according to the principles of Usul al-Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), specifically Dalil al-Khitab (the implication of the text) or Mafhum al-Mukhalafa (understanding by contrast), we can derive further evidence.
In the hadith about a man who died while in the state of Ihram (ritual consecration for Hajj or Umrah), the Prophet ﷺ instructed the companions:
“Do not place any fragrance on him.” (Bukhari:1265)
This hadith was narrated by Imam al-Bukhari and Imam Muslim on the authority of Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him).
Another wording of the hadith states:
“Do not apply any perfume to him.” (Bukhari:1267)
From this, we understand that the prohibition of using fragrance applies only to someone in the state of Ihram. By contrast, it is permissible to use fragrance for a deceased person who is not in the state of Ihram.
Furthermore, the ruling applies equally to both men and women. As the scholars have stated: The woman is like the man in Islamic rulings.
This means that unless there is specific evidence (Dalil) indicating a distinction between men and women, the same rulings apply to both.
This principle is supported by the hadith narrated by Imam Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi, and Ahmed on the authority of Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), where the Prophet ﷺ said:
“Women are the counterparts of men.” (Abu Dawud:236)
This hadith was authenticated by Imam al-Albani.
However, it is important to note that this ruling applies only to the deceased. There is a clear distinction between the rulings for the living and the deceased. For example, a living woman is generally prohibited from wearing perfume in public to avoid attracting non-mahram men, but this prohibition does not apply to a deceased woman.
And knowledge is with Allah.
I hope this clarifies the matter. Anything I have said that is correct is from Allah, and anything incorrect is from myself and Shaytan. Allah and His Messenger ﷺ are free from any errors.
— Answered by Ustadh Abdulrahman Hassan
