Is it permissible to apply perfume before entering the state of ইহরাম?

The question of applying perfume before entering ইহরাম is one where the four schools of jurisprudence differ based on their interpretation of the hadith evidence. The majority position, held by the Shafi'i and Hanbali schools, is that it is Sunnah (মুস্তাহাব) to apply perfume to the body — but not to the ইহরাম garments — before making the intention for ইহরাম at the miqat. This is directly supported by the practice of নবী করীম Muhammad (সাল্লাল্লাহু আলাইহি ওয়া সাল্লাম), as reported by his wife Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her).

Aisha narrated that she used to perfume the Messenger of Allah (সাল্লাল্লাহু আলাইহি ওয়া সাল্লাম) before he entered ইহরাম, and she could see the traces of musk glistening on his scalp and in his hair parting even after he had assumed ইহরাম. According to scholars who hold this position, the prohibition of perfume during ইহরাম applies to new application after entering the state of ইহরাম, not to residual fragrance from before. The perfume should be applied to the body (head, beard, skin) but should be avoided on the ইহরাম garments themselves.

The Hanafi and Maliki schools take a more cautious view. They consider it disliked (makruh) to apply perfume immediately before ইহরাম if its scent will remain perceptible after entering the sacred state. Their reasoning is based on the hadith prohibiting the muhrim from using perfume, and they view lingering fragrance as tantamount to ongoing use. Imam Malik specifically noted that using perfume that lingers is problematic, though no fidyah is required since the application occurred before ইহরাম. Despite this difference, all scholars agree that there is no sin or penalty for residual fragrance that naturally fades.