Fatwa ID: 02949

Answered by: Imam Abdul-Mālik Sheikh

Question

Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah

Is SFX makeup allowed in Islam? It can range from casualty makeup, such as fake blood and wounds, to character makeup, such as fake wrinkles or jaw, or a complete creature mask using prosthetics.

As a makeup artist, there are many job opportunities in this field that I'm not sure will earn a halal income. Should I list the ones I want to inquire about in one go or should I send them in separate questions?

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم

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

Answer:

Generally, there is no harm in applying makeup, such as a wife applying makeup in order to adorn and beautify herself for her husband. However, this is permissible as long as if it is done within the limitations of the Shari’ah.*

Likewise, there is no harm in you working as a makeup artist if your action does not contradict the teachings of Islām. The permissibility will depend on the intent, nature and purpose of the service you provide.

SFX make up is the opposite of lawful adornment. Such make-up is done for the purpose of cinema and sometimes for Satanic celebrations such as Halloween and it can involve procedures and practices that go against Islāmic Teachings.

It is advisable that you stick to providing a service that is within the limitations of the Shari’ah or you should seek an alternative means of earning a livelihood. (Radd al-Muhtār of Imām Ibn Ābidin, Vol:6 p373, Dar al-Fikr, Beirut)

Only Allāh knows best

Written by Imam Abdul-Mālik Sheikh

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham