Burning Agarbati (Incense) in the Masjid

Q: Masaajid and Madaaris-9 : What is the ruling concerning burning Agarbati (incense) in the Masjid? the purpose is to make the Masjid fragrant.

Answer: The Shari'ah commends and requires us to keep the Masaajid clean and fragrant. Hadhrat Abu Sa'eed Khudri RAH. reports from Rasulullaah SAW. that Allaah will construct a mansion in Jannah for the person who removes any dirt from the Masjid. Hadhrat Aa'isha RADI. reports that Rasulullaah SAW. instructed them to demarcate places of salaah within their homes and to ensure that these arrears be kept clean and fragrant.

Yet another Hadith instructs us to erect at the doors of the Masaajid places where people can cleanse themselves and it also instructs us to burn incense in the Masaajid on Fridays. In fact, Hadhrat Umar RADI. issued the decree that incense be burned in all the Masaajid of Madinah.

All these Ahadeeth tell us that the Shari'ah commends and requires us to keep the Masaajid clean and fragrant. It is. however, best to use Lobaan or Ood as an incense. Agarbati will fall into the same category if it is made of pure materials. However, one should ensure that the ashes do not fall on the carpets and that they are lit outside the Masjid, since the odour of matches is repugnant and should be kept clear of the Masjid. And Allaah knows best what is most correct.

Fatawa Rahimiyyah vol.3