Is the use of perfume (attar/طيب) forbidden for a woman observing Iddah (widowhood)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Waiting Periods ('Iddah)
Primary text
The use of perfume is forbidden for a woman observing Iddah upon her husband's death. This prohibition is established by the saying of the Prophet (peace be upon him): "She should not touch perfume, except at the minimum point of her purification, when she becomes clean from her menses, with a little Qust or Azfar." This is agreed upon (Muttafaq Alayh). Another narration confirms that the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated that a woman believing in Allah and the Last Day must not observe Iddah for a deceased person for more than three nights, except for her husband, for whom it is four months and ten days. Perfumes are prohibited because they incite desire and call towards physical contact.
Supporting text
Lubricants that are not perfumed, such as olive oil, sesame oil, or ghee, are permissible because they are not considered perfume.