Warning Against Hurting the Worshippers with Unpleasant Odors

Question:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success. He says: I hope that you, may Allah preserve you, will direct a word to the worshippers regarding what a worshipper should do while attending the mosque, such as eliminating the smell of smoke, as well as the smell of socks, and the unpleasant odors that emanate from some bodies.

Answer:
Yes, the one who prays with the congregation must not harm them with his odor. If he has odors that can be eliminated by washing, using perfume, or treatment, he should eliminate them through treatment. Therefore, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) prescribed the full ritual bath for Friday, because people gather in the mosques. The full ritual bath was prescribed to eliminate odors, and eating garlic or onion is prohibited as long as the odor remains, preventing him from praying with the congregation to remove his harm. It was said: "Let him sit in his home as a punishment, depriving him of the reward."
So when a person intends to go to the mosque, he should check himself. It is also prescribed that he adorn himself, adorning himself for prayer and the mosques with his clothes. He should not come in soiled, dirty, or smelly clothes. He should not come in this state.