that when the gathering becomes large, the air grows stuffy, perspiration increases, and unpleasant odours arise. If fragrance is used after one has cleansed himself, this lessens the odour. For this reason, the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, forbade anyone who has eaten onion or garlic from approaching the mosque (1). When they saw someone who had eaten onion or garlic, they would order that he be taken out of the mosque to al-Baqiʿ.

It is regrettable that some people today come to the Friday prayer while their clothes and bodies have an unpleasant odour, so that no one can pray beside them. This is not from Allah, but from the person himself: he is the one who brings filth and grime upon himself and pays no attention to his hygiene. In this there is harm to those praying and harm to the angels.

Indeed, the scholars have said that if something is from Allah, and the person has no part in causing it, yet it harms those praying, he should leave—for example, foul breath from the mouth or nose, or a person from whose underarms an unpleasant odour emanates. Thus, if you have an odour that harms others, do not approach the mosque.

If he says, “This is from Allah,” it should be said to him: If Allah has tested you with it, then do not harm the servants of Allah or harm the angels. You will be rewarded for patiently bearing this matter and seeking the reward from Allah. Nor are you sinful if you do not pray with the people, for you have only left it by Allah’s command.

If he then says, “This diminishes my faith, because congregational prayer is more virtuous,” we say: You are not blamed for this diminution, just as a menstruating woman is not