What is the ruling regarding a pilgrim using fragrant oils for anointing the body?
Chapter on What the Muhrim Must Avoid and What is Permissible for Him
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
There is no disagreement in the Madhhab regarding the prohibition of using fragrant oils such as rose, violet, lily, hyacinth, or lavender oil for anointing. This is the position of Al-Awza'i. For oils without perfume, such as olive oil, animal fat (shirj), ghee, suet, or plain ban oil, the pilgrim may use them if needed. The general consensus among scholars is that a pilgrim may anoint his body with suet, oil, and ghee.
Supporting text
There is a difference of opinion regarding anointing the head specifically. Some scholars permit anointing the body but discourage anointing the head because it removes dishevelment, resembling perfume. However, the ruling is that expiation is not obligatory without textual or consensus evidence, and equating it to perfume is invalid since perfume requires expiation even without removing dishevelment, which is not the case with plain oil. If applied to the body other than the head, no prohibition is known from Ahmad, and consensus exists for use on the hands. If the head is anointed, some scholars state expiation is due, while others state if it is done, no expiation is due, provided the oil is not scented.