How can one reconcile the detestability of entering the mosque for someone with bad breath with the pleasantness of the fasting person's breath to Allah, and what is the ruling on a fasting person entering the mosque and congregational prayer if their breath has changed due to fasting?
The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, forbade those who ate garlic or onions from approaching the mosques so as not to offend the angels and the worshippers. Scholars have extended this prohibition to include anything that has an offensive odor that harms the worshippers. However, the bad breath of a fasting person is not included in this prohibition because it originates from an act of worship beloved to Allah, and it is more pleasant to Allah than the scent of musk. It is not correct to compare it to other offensive odors, and it does not prevent one from entering the mosque.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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