Darul Uloom Trinidad & Tobago

As Salaamu ‘Alaikum.

I have two questions about bakhoor.

1. Is it a sunnah

2. Does it really ward off evil ?

Please clarify for my understanding in shaa’ Allaah.

Answer: Wa Alaikum As Salaam,It is narrated that the Prophet ﷺ used to burn the Oudh sticks and he encouraged it. Hence, to burn bakhoor, oudh and other such fragrances is evident. It is narrated that Abdullah bin Umar (R.A) used to burn pure oudh and camphor mixed with oudh as fragrance, and he stated that the Prophet ﷺ used to burn bakhoor (incense),’ (Muslim).It is also evident from the traditions recorded by Imam Bukhari (A.R) that during the time of the Prophet ﷺ, his Masjid used to be perfumed with the oudh sticks being burnt.’

The Prophet ﷺ advised that the deceased be perfumed with bakhoor. In this regard, he said, ‘When you perfume the deceased with bakhoor, then perfume him three times.’ (Ahmad).

The Prophet ﷺ also advised that the Masjid be perfumed with bakhoor and scented, especially on the day of Jumuah.’ (Ibn Majah). In this regard Aisha (R.A) reports that the Prophet ﷺ ordered that Masajid be built in residential areas and they be cleaned and perfumed. (Ahmad, Abu Dawood). It is narrated that Abdullah would burn bakhoor (incense) when Umar would sit on the Mimbar (pulpit). (Abu Dawood).
Aisha (R.A) said, ‘Perfume the Ka’ba, because this is a part of purifying it.’

From these traditions, it is evident that it was from the practice (Sunnah) of the Prophet ﷺ to use bakhoor (incense) and burn the oudh sticks as a means of perfuming the Masjid, homes, other places and even around the deceased person.

However, there is no narration or statement which says that bakhoor wards off evil.

And Allah Knows  Best.

Mufti Waseem Khan.

18/3/2015