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Fatwa CenterThe Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, used incense
Question
What is the ruling on using incense in mosques and seeking blessings through it in the homes? What is the ruling on using incense during panic or fear of something, such as when a person falls from a high place? What is the ruling on some people's claim that the origin of incense is the Jinn and devils?
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.
Using incense to perfume mosques is a recommended act in Islam. It was narrated that ‘Aa’ishah 
said: "The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, ordered building places for prayer in houses and ordered that they be cleansed and perfumed." [Ahmad]
The following is stated in Tuhfat Al-Ahwathi:
Ibn Hajar said that it is deduced from this Hadeeth that it is recommended to perfume the mosques with incense, in contrast to the opinion of Maalik, who considered it to be disliked. It was reported that ‘Abdullaah (ibn ‘Umar) used to perfume the mosque with incense when ‘Umar ascended the pulpit.
It is also permissible to use incense in houses to perfume them. It is authentically reported that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, used incense.
On the other hand, seeking blessing from incense, using it to ward off the effect of the evil eye, to repel fear or whatever—all such actions are innovations, superstitions and Shirk-related (polytheism) acts. Therefore, a Muslim who believes in the Oneness of Allaah should totally avoid such acts.
Allaah Knows best.
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