What is the significance of henna in islam

There are multiple products that is offered in the market to colour the nails and hair. This makes the women eager to give it a try. The question here is although some brands have the halal logo, is it really halal to be used for ablution wuduk and impurity bath hadas besar that needs the water to reach to all parts of the nails and hair.

If we look at the elements used and its original function is to colour the nails and hair thus it definitely will have waterproof attributes but the water will not seep into the skin of the head as how henna permeates to the fingers and nails and does not prevent water from reaching parts that must wajib be washed although it is halal and clean. This is something that worries the Muslims that uses this product during their ibadat.

Their ibadat will become invalid tidak sah because they are not thoroughly cleanse. As a result, Islam has set a guideline for Muslims in the usage of henna and hair dyeing. Henna or its scientific name Lawsonia Inermis originates from Arab that means medicine. They both act as cooling agents for the head and body. Henna also contains natural ingredients, which are vital for hair nourishment Webmaster, p. However, although the use of henna has branched out since its discovery in North Africa, its most popular use is still beautification.

And although Prophet Muhammad saws made it famous, the artful use of the dye is largely a female affair. In some Islamic countries, the use of henna is reserved for the celebrations of Eid, weddings, pregnancy and birth, while in others it is used as an everyday beautification Muhammad, p.

The henna party is part of this feminine tradition and has as many different traditions as there are designs. A henna party can be an occasion for women to celebrate, to visit and talk, to air problems and seek support, or simply an opportunity for women to gather and beautify themselves.

If someone hosts a bridal henna party, all of the attendees may wear henna, while sometimes only the bride is adorned.

A henna party before Eid often includes festive music and food. Designs at henna parties vary from the lacey vines of India and Pakistan to the Arab floral designs to the bold African geometric patterns. Sometimes superstitions are attached to the use of henna.

In countries such as Morocco, some women apply henna on the 10 th of Muharram to prevent illness during the upcoming year. Generally, it is encouraged for women to apply henna on the nails of her hands, whether or not there is a special occasion that warrants it.

She said: No, a woman. He said: If you were a woman, you would make a difference to your nails, meaning with henna. Sunan Abu Dawud; Hasan. I attended a lecture on Fiqh of Beauty whereby the ustazah briefly discussed the history of this use of henna.

Over time, as Islam expanded particularly into regions like India, the use of henna has evolved into the decorative henna that we know today:. As such, some argue that this form of henna should be discouraged as we are seen to be imitating the Hindus, and imitating the non-Muslims and their associated customs is haram in Islam:.

However, this ruling only applies to the acts of worship and the customs that are unique to these groups — acts and customs that distinguish these religions or groups from the rest. See here for more details on the ruling on imitating the kuffar.

Although the use of intricate henna designs originated from the Hindus, over time it has seeped into the Malay culture and has been prevalent throughout many decades. Wedding photos of our mothers and our grandmothers show these intricate henna designs. As such, it is likely that this custom is no longer seen as unique to Hindu culture and hence does not fall under the category of imitating their culture.

Therefore, the majority opinion is that these intricate designs are permissible. However, the designs must not include animals and logos of organizations or other religions groups. With that being said, it is important for brides to understand that while these intricate henna designs are most likely not haram, they are definitely not mustahabb or sunnah. No bride should feel pressured to simply follow the trend.

The bride should be careful about excessively displaying these designs on her hands — be it during her event, in photos or on social media — lest it fall under the category of tabarruj wanton display of beauty , which is haram. The discussion thus far has covered henna on the hands.

It is important for brides to remember that her aurat in front of non-mahram men is her whole body except for her face and hands according to the majority opinion.

However, it is unarguably haram to show these areas of her body during the event or on social media where they can be seen by non-mahram men. Displaying henna on other parts of the body to her husband is permissible if he has a liking for it; in fact, beautification for the husband is encouraged. It is imperative to note that all of the above discussion has been with regards to women.

It is haram for men to apply henna on any part of his body, for weddings or otherwise.