Incense, Its Uses, and Related Beliefs

Abstract

Islam encourages the use of incense and perfumes, calling for cleanliness and pleasant smells in mosques, prayers on Fridays, and celebrations. However, innovations in the use of incense have since emerged. Therefore, the study found it necessary to shed light on the beliefs associated with incense. Its use was known in pagan religions in worships, celebrations, cemeteries, to expel evil spirits, as well as in magic rituals. It was also used in the distorted religions of Judaism and Christianity, having been transferred to them from pagan religions. The study explained the uses of incense and the ruling on it. If it is used by sorcerers in special rituals and incantations, then it is ruled as sorcery. If incense is used as a remedy for envy and spiritual illnesses and to expel devils and jinn, then it is ruled as part of the pagan and distorted religions that used it for this purpose, then it is forbidden because it resembles them. If it is in accordance with magical rituals, then the ruling applies to it. However, if incense is used to treat physical illnesses and its benefits are known from experience, and it is believed that it is the cause, and that the cause is Allah, then it is permissible if it does not contain anything that is prohibited in Islam. But, if it is used to expel negative energy, then it is not permissible, as this is associated with the beliefs of pagans. If it is used for aromatherapy and to promote physical health and vitality without causing harm, then there is no harm in it. If it is used in cemeteries and at Mawlid celebrations, as is the case with Sufis, who use it for worshipping and seeking blessings, then if it is in accordance with magical rituals, the ruling applies to it, and if it is not believed in, then it is a reprehensible innovation. It was recommended to educate the public on the use of incense for perfuming without believing that it is a spell to expel jinn and cure the evil eye, and to urge researchers to conduct research on practices in societies that have beliefs in pagan or distorted religions, such as lighting candles and using salt as a spell.