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Is it permissible for a widow to use unscented cosmetics or oils on her skin and hair during the waiting period (iddah) to prevent dryness and for cleansing?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

A woman whose husband has passed away must avoid adornment (zinah) and perfume (ṭīb) during her 'iddah (waiting period). She should not apply perfume, nor wear dyed clothes, nor apply kohl. Unscented oils used to prevent dry skin or scalp are permissible, as are unscented hair and body washes, because their purpose is cleansing, not perfuming. As for using unscented oil for the hair, there is a difference of opinion among scholars. The preponderant view is that it is permissible because there is no prohibition mentioned concerning it, but it is more cautious to refrain from it to avoid the difference of opinion.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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