Can women put mehindi on their faces? And also what’s the ruling on face painting, tattoos etc. Please reply with reference. Jazakallah

. In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.

Answer

Mehndi is a type of beautification, which is permissible for women to apply.

It is narrated by Saaidah Aishah (RA) that Hinda, the daughter of Utbah (RA) said: “O Prophet of Allah, grant me bai,at (allegiance).” The Prophet of Allah (SAW) replied: “I will not grant you bai’at until you change your palms (apply henna). (Mishkat p383 v2)

In another Hadith Saaidah Aishah (RA) narrates that a women behind a curtain presented a letter to the Prophet of Allah (SAW). He (SAW) withdrew his hand saying: “I do not know if this is a males hand or a female hand.” The women then replied. The Prophet of Allah (SAW) said, “If you were a female you would have changed your nails (by applying henna). (Sunan Abu Dawud p220v2)

We can deduce from the aforementioned hadiths that women are allowed to apply mehndi on their hands. They are also permitted to apply mehndi on their feet and nails as well. (Bahishti Zewar)

In regards to your question, applying mehndi to your face should be avoided. Firstly as it is not proven through any Qur’anic or Hadith sources. Secondly the face is a sacred part of ones body and it should be respected. The Prophet of Allah (SAW) has said: “If somebody fights then he should avoid the face.” (Sahih-Bukhari) The same ruling will apply for face painting as well.

In regards to tattooing the correct view is that such practices are deemed impermissible. Sayyidina Abu Hurairah (RA) narrates that the Prophet of Allah (SAW) said: “Allah has cursed the women who joins the hair and the women who asks for her hair to be joined and the one who tattoos and the one who asks to get tattooed.” (Sahih Bukhari p878 v2)

Furthermore there is an element of mutilation when one tattoos themselves and mutilation is also impressible in Islam.

Abdullah Ibn Yazid Al Ansari (RA) narrates that the Prophet of Allah (SAW) forbade robbery and mutilation of bodies.” (Sahih Bukhari P336 V1)

Only Allah Knows Best

Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham.