Assalamualaykum,w.w.

I am confused because some Muftis say you can use hair dyes bought in shops as there is no perceptible barrier to stop wuzu or gusl being carried out. Only you cannot use black colour or if it contain haram ingredients. Other Mufti say you can only use Henna and other similar products.

Please can you tell me what is allowed according to Shariah as I would not like to compromise wuzu or gusl.

Jazakumullah Khair.

Answer:

In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.

Abu Huraira (radi allahu anhu) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (sallal lahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “The Jews and the Christians do not dye (their grey hairs), so you shall do the opposite of what they do.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari, 4.668)

Abu Dharr reported that the Messenger of Allah (sallal lahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “The best thing that one can use to change the colour of grey hairs is henna and katm (a reddish dye).” (Fiqh-us-Sunnah, Vol1, 23)

From the above it is clear that it is permissible to dye the hair by using mehndhi or other halal products. However if the dye contains some synthetic, waterproof component which coats the hair surface, then it will not be permissible as it will stop water reaching and therefore leaving wudhu and qusul incomplete. It is on this basis that scholars give the verdict of non permissibility. If the product ingredient is checked and it contains no such substance to prevent water reaching the hair then it will be permissible.

And Allah knows best.

Sayeedur Rahman

Darul Ifta, Birmingham