How to Use a Bakhoor Burner

Burning bakhoor is simple once you’ve done it once — here’s exactly how.

With a traditional charcoal burner

Light a charcoal disc (specifically made for incense, not barbecue charcoal) until it glows and develops a light ash coating.
Place the charcoal in your mabkhara (burner), on a heat-safe base.
Add a small piece of bakhoor directly on top of the charcoal — it will begin to smoke and release fragrance almost immediately.
Add more bakhoor as needed; a little goes further than you’d expect.

With an electric burner

Place a small amount of bakhoor in the heating dish.
Switch on and allow it to warm gently — electric burners melt and release fragrance without an open flame or true smoke, a gentler, lower-maintenance option.

Where to use it

Pass a lit burner briefly through a room, or hold clothing over the rising fragrance, to scent both space and fabric — a traditional practice at gatherings and before guests arrive.