Permissibility of Using Mehndi for Women

Question:

I had a question regarding the permissibility of putting mehndi on hands of women?

Answer:

It is permissible for women to adorn their hands and feet with mehndi which is known as henna in English. This has been proven from the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him).

Sayyidah Kareema Bint Hummaam says, “I enquired from Aisha Siddiqa in regards to applying mehndi. She said, ‘there is no objection to it, but I refrain from using it as the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) disliked its smell.’” [Abu Dawud & Nasa’i]

Abu Dawud and Nasa’i also reported on the authority of Aisha that a lady had a book in her hand which she put out from behind a curtain intending to present it to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). She intended to give the book to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), but he retracted his hand and said, ‘it is not distinguishable whether it is the hand of a male or a female’, she said, ‘it is the hand of a female’ to which the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) replied, ‘if it is a hand of a female then she should colour her nails with mehndi.’

Hence, it is stated in Bahar e Shariat,

“It is permissible for women to apply mehndi on their hands and feet, as it is a means of beauty.”

And Allah knows best.

Muhammad Kalim (Preston, UK)

The answer is correct and Allah knows best.

Mufti Zahid Hussain al-Qadri