Fatwa ID: 03544

Answered by: Alimah Sumeyye Sofu

Question

I have an upcoming wedding in my family. Our weddings are usually segregated but there are close male relatives coming in and out of the female section and male waiters too. Everyone would be dressed up and most females would be wearing make-up. I have decided to wear make-up in such a way that if any man comes, I can easily hide it with my niqab like wearing lipstick etc. However, I want to wear something on my eyes too which I probably won't be able to hide. I am not even sure if there would be any risk of na -ahram seeing me. What should I do?

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

It is narrated that Al-Hasan bin 'Ali said: “I remember that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) said: 'Leave what makes you doubtful for what does not make you doubtful. The truth brings tranquillity while falsehood sows doubt.”[1]

A believer should stay away from whatever makes him/her doubtful. In your case, there is still a possibility that non-mahrams could enter the same room. The best action will be to not adorn yourself in this case.

Islam is a complete way of life and has set perimeters for everything. Islam has permitted women to adorn themselves but with moderation and within the limits of the Shari'ah. Applying lipstick is permissible but it should not be applied to attract non-Mahram men or for ostentation. For the sake of one’s husband, it is allowed.[2]

Only Allah knows best

Written by Aalimah Sumeyye Sofu

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham

[1] Tirmizi no.2708 Darus salam

[2] Ask a mufti p.318-320 v.2 JKN Publications