The Hadith about Garlic and Onion
Question :
In a Hadith the Prophet ﷺ said :
"Whoever eats onion or garlic or leek, then he should not approach our Masjid [for three days.] for the angels are harmed by what the children of Adam are harmed by."
This is the approximate meaning of what the Prophet said. What does this Hadith mean? Does it mean that if a person eats these three things, he may not go to the Masjid for the stated period? Or does it mean that if it is obligatory upon a person to pray in congregation, he may not eat these three things?
Answer:
This Hadith and other similar to it in meaning show that it A is hated for a Muslim to attend congregational prayer when a foul smell is emanating from him, harming those who are around him, regardless whether the cause of that smell is garlic, onion, leek, or anything else that has a foul odor, such as smoke. One should wait until the smell goes away. As for the set period of three days, I know of no basis in Hadith for that or for any other set period.
Source:
Ibn Baz
Fatawa Islamiyah, Vol. 7 Page 223
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