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Is it permissible for a worshipper to place a handkerchief or a tissue over his nose during prayer or while listening to the sermon to avoid bad odors? And does this prolonged movement invalidate the prayer, knowing that the handkerchief will be removed during prostration? And is it permissible for him to move while the Imam is delivering the sermon?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

"The entry into the mosque of someone with an offensive odor that harms the worshippers is an objectionable act, as it causes distress to Muslims. It is obligatory to advise the person doing this and remind them of the necessity of removing the odor before coming to the mosque. Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, ordered the expulsion of those who had eaten onions and garlic from the mosque because they bothered the worshippers. As for someone afflicted by such a worshipper, there is no blame on them if they place their hand over their nose or use a handkerchief to ward off the harm and achieve devotion. The jurists have permitted placing a hand over the mouth to suppress yawning, and this is not considered excessive movement. As for moving from one's place during the sermon, it is permissible if it is for achieving a legitimate Islamic objective, such as moving away from someone with an offensive odor."

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

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