Permissible tasting is that which involves neither sin nor any reason to prefer it.

As for the application of the five categories of worship to the sense of smell, obligatory smelling is any smelling that becomes the only means of distinguishing between what is lawful and unlawful. Examples include determining whether a particular substance is foul or wholesome, whether it is a deadly poison or harmless, or whether one is entitled to make use of it. This includes smelling by appraisers and experts when determining value, including that of slaves and the like.

Forbidden smelling includes deliberately smelling perfume while in ihrām (the state of pilgrimage consecration), smelling usurped or stolen perfume, and deliberately smelling the perfume of non-mahram women to indulge the desire it arouses for the women themselves.

Recommended smelling includes smelling anything that helps you obey Allah, strengthens the senses, and puts you in a receptive frame of mind for learning and action. This includes gifts of perfume and fragrant plants offered to you.

In Sahīh Muslim, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever is offered a fragrant plant should not refuse it, for its scent is pleasant and it is light to carry.” «1»

Disliked smelling includes the scents of oppressors, people of doubtful dealings, and the like.

Permissible smelling is that which Allah has not prohibited and which entails no liability, serves no religious benefit, and has no bearing on religious law.

As for the application of these five categories to the sense of touch, obligatory touching includes touching one’s wife when intercourse with her is obligatory, and a female slave whose chastity one is obliged to safeguard.

Forbidden touching is touching non-mahram women whom one is not permitted to touch.

Recommended touching is that which helps one lower one’s gaze, restrain oneself from what is forbidden, and preserve one’s wife’s chastity.