is sound. There is a difference of opinion on this matter. Some scholars say that smelling perfume is not prohibited and entails no penalty, because he has not used it. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Do not embalm him with perfume,” (1) and he said, “Do not wear a garment that has been touched by saffron or wars,” (2) whereas merely smelling it has no effect on one’s garment or body.

As for the view that the second case is prohibited, it is not sound; rather, smelling it is permissible. The first case, however, is unquestionably not prohibited. An example is what happens to a person while circumambulating the Ka‘bah: he smells the fragrance of the perfume applied to it. We have seen some people pouring perfume lavishly onto the wall of the Ka‘bah. Its scent will inevitably spread, but it does not affect the person in consecration.

We hold that those who apply perfume to the Black Stone have erred, because they will either prevent people from touching the Black Stone or cause them to fall into one of the prohibitions of consecration. Both are an infringement upon those performing circumambulation.

They should be told: if you insist on perfuming the Ka‘bah, then do not place perfume on any of the ritual landmarks of circumambulation; place it on the sides of the Ka‘bah instead. But to put it in a place that Muslims need to touch and kiss is an offense against them, for they must either forgo touching it despite being able to do so, or fall into a prohibited act. Therefore, the student of knowledge should point out to the one who sought reward through his intention but acted wrongly that he has made a mistake. For if someone kisses or touches the Stone and perfume gets on him, then is told, “Wash it off,” this causes him considerable hardship, especially amidst the crowding.