Muhtaram

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

حامدا و مصليا و مسلما

In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

We have received your query with regards to hair dye, our response is as follows:

On the very onset, the permissibility of dyeing the hair refer to dyeing the grey or white hair of the head.

Imam Bukhari rahimahullah, on the authority of Hadrat Abu Huraira Radiallahu-Anhu reported Rasullullah Sallallahu-Alaihi-Wa-Sallam as saying. The Jews and Christians do not dye the hair, so be different from them.” The scholars of Hadith mention that the application of this Hadith is not general. It was specifically for the people whose hair had turned grey or white. As for the people whose hair has not changed colour, they should not dye their hair.

Imam Muslim rahimahullah on the authority of Hadrat Jabir Radiallahu-Anhu narrates, that on the day of the conquest of Makkah, Hadrat Abu-Bakr Radiallahu-Anhu brought his aged father, Abu Quhafah Radiallahu-Anhu, carrying him until he had seated him in front of Rasullullah Sallallahu-Alaihi-Wa-Sallam. On seeing Abu Quhafah Radiallahu-Anhu’s snow-white hair Rasullullah Sallallahu-Alaihi-Wa-Sallam said, “Dye the hair, but avoid black.” From this Hadith it can be understood that Rasullullah Sallallahu-Alaihi-Wa-Sallam recommended dyeing of the hair, only because the hair had turned white.

Hence, a person will be given permission to dye the hair, but only when the hair changes colour.

Shari’ah has permitted and in fact encouraged the use of Henna (Mehndhi), which is, in essence, a reddish colouring for the hair. In fact, Shari’ah has also permitted the use of other colours such as brown, etc.

As for the usage of black dye Rasullullah Sallallahu-Alaihi-Wa-Sallam said, “Dye the hair but avoid black”. Thus, the usage of black dye will normally not be permissible even on grey or white hair.

Similarly dyeing the hair in “loud” and “funky” colours like pink, purple, etc. to conform to today’s trends and fashion is also not allowed, as this constitutes resemblance to the disbelievers.

One thing that should also be borne in mind with regard to using modern-day cosmetics and make-up products (including hair colours) that are available on the western market is that many of these products are derived from animal by-products. Some cosmetics are even said to contain extracts of human foetus. This is why such cosmetics would be prohibited to use. Thus, if a person is certain that a particular brand of hair colour/dye does not contain any Haraam substance, then that would be permissible to apply, but with a further proviso; which is that the dye should not form a film or coating that obstructs water from reaching parts the actual hair itself as it is essential that water reaches the roots of the hair in Ghusl and the surface of the hair in Wudhu. Whether any particular dye will form such an obstructive coating or not, should be ascertained from the manufacturer of the particular brand. The manufacturer would be able to tell whether water would permeate through their product or not. As a rule of thumb, however, you should carefully observe the texture of the dye being applied; that if it is creates a gel-like finish on the hair, then in all likelihood, water would not saturate through it. On the other hand, if it creates a matt-like finish (such as with Henna/Mehndhi), water should be able to penetrate it. To be on the safe side, we still would advise that this should be ascertained from the manufacturer of the product.

May Allah grant us the correct understanding of His religion and make us practice upon it.

And Allah Ta’ala knows best

Muhammad Irshad Motara

15th Shawwal 1439

^30th June 2018

Checked and approved by:

Mufti Musayyab Sahib

15-th Shawwal 1439

^30th June 2018