Answered by Shaykh Yūsuf Badāt
Question:
What is the ruling of using soap during Iḥrām?
Answer:
Using perfumes and scents are forbidden during the sacred state of iḥrām. It is advisable to only use scentless soaps and or shampoos.
If one uses a soap or shampoo while taking a shower or bath, that has a considerable scent, a penalty of a sacrificial animal will be necessary as redemption. However, if there is a very lightly scented soap which was used, then it is disliked (makrūh). A small charitable donation should be given to the poor to compensate. Some jurists have indicated, the intent of using soap is for cleanliness and not necessarily the scent. Therefore, it could be deemed allowed unless it has a very strong aspect of perfume or scent.
“Do not apply perfume when you are in the state of iḥrām.” (Ṭabrānī)
“Do not apply perfume to the one in iḥrām.” (Saḥīḥ Muslim)
“During Iḥrām if perfumes [or scents] were applied in a large quantity (a complete limb or major portion of the body), an animal sacrifice [of a sheep] is necessary in redemption. If a small amount was applied [to less than a limb] a charity [of about 2 kg of wheat or its equivalent in cash] will be necessary.” (See: Al-Muḥīṭ al Burhānī and Nūr Al-Iḍaḥ)
And Allāh Knows Best
