7 Strong Hadiths Proving Why Make Up Is Halal for Girls
23/07/2019 Updated-21/06/2020
Wearing make up for a girl is despised by some scholars and the issue of wearing makeup is overly exaggerated. Islam has never directly forbidden women from wearing make up and the fatwas that are generally given by scholars are due to the harsh attitude we see among conservative Muslim men towards women.
Cosmetics generally comprise of many assortments of products to enhance the beauty and presentability of both men and women. The word cosmetics is a loose word which includes make up and during the time of the prophet(sal), the use of cosmetic products such as kohl, henna, musk, perfume were widely used and encouraged for both men and women. It is strange to see how some scholars could forbid something that was encouraged by the prophet (sal).
Wearing make up for a girl is despised by some scholars and the issue of wearing makeup is overly exaggerated. Islam has never directly forbidden women from wearing make up and the fatwas that are generally given by scholars are due to the harsh attitude we see among conservative Muslim men towards women.
Cosmetics generally comprise of many assortments of products to enhance the beauty and presentability of both men and women. The word cosmetics is a loose word which includes make up and during the time of the prophet(sal), the use of cosmetic products such as kohl, henna, musk, perfume were widely used and encouraged for both men and women. It is strange to see how some scholars could forbid something that was encouraged by the prophet (sal).
(Image caption above-Eye line beautifiers such as kohl was encouraged by the prophet(sal) for both men and women)
A Muslim girl is grooming herself to go out. She combs her hair then powders her face and puts on some lipstick and as she is about to go out, she is stopped and barraged with questions over her make up by her family or husband. This kind of stories are common among Muslim girls and women who have been criticized and told that wearing make up for a woman especially when she is going out is haram. If we only stick to the Quran and the authentic Sunnah of our messenger (Sal) with out blindly following the opinions of scholars, our lives would have been much easier and we would have realized clearly that women can ho out by wearing make up.
The argument that is wrongly put forward to prove that wearing make up is haram is based by those who believe that the niqab is wajib for a Muslim woman.
There is no clear evidence from the Quran or authentic hadith to prove that the niqab is wajib.
There are several hadiths which prove that the face veil for women is not wajib (obligatory). Wearing the face veil is only mustahab.
Narrated by al-Waleed from Sa’eed Ibn Basheer from Qataadah from Khalid Ibn Durayk from ‘Aishah (Rali), that Asma’ bint Abi Bakr entered upon the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) wearing a thin dress. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) turned away from her and said, “O Asma’, when a woman reaches the age of puberty, nothing should be seen of her except this and this” – and he pointed to his face and hands.
(Abu Dawud-authenticated by Albani using collaborating reports)
This authentic hadith is clear evidence that the face veil is not wajib. In another long hadith Narrated by Sahl b. Sa`d as-Saa`idee (Rali): A woman came to the Prophet (Sal) and said:
“O Allah’s Messenger, I have come to offer myself in marriage to you.” So Allah’s Messenger (Sal) looked her up and down carefully. After that he lowered his head. When the woman saw that he he had not decided anything regarding her, she sat down. Then a man from his Companions stood and said: “O Messenger of Allah, if you have no need for her marry her to me.”
(Bukhari,Muslim)
This hadith clearly proves that a lady had come to the gathering un-covered. If it was wajib, The prophet(sal) would have commanded her to cover her face.
I have written a detailed refutation of those who argue that the face veil is wajib. Please click here https://cjislam.weebly.com/why-covering-the-faceniqab-is-not-a-must.html to read the full article.
Evidence to prove that women can wear make up in public and there is clear evidence to prove
The first point I would like to explain is that Muslim women can uncover their faces in public. If a woman can show her face in public then why can't she beautify it. In a hadith, the prophet (Sal) said,
“Allaah is beautiful and loves beauty"
(Sahih Muslim)
In this hadith narrated in Sahih Muslim the companion asked the Prophet (Sal) on liking to wear beautifully and it was then the prophet (Sal) said that Allah loves beauty. The next argument that Islam encourages a Muslim to put kohl in to the eyes.
Ibn Abbas reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Verily, the best of the kohl that you use is antimony, for it brightens the eyes and grows the hair.”
(Sunan al-Nasai-Graded Sahih by Shiekh al-Albani)
Narrated by Ibn Abbaas, May Allah be pleased with them: Said the Prophet of Allah (Sal) said,
"Use Ithmid as a Kohl for it Yajlu (enhances, improves etc) vision and Yunbitu ( Grows, tames etc) hair )."
( Al-Tirmidhi and graded Saheed by Al-Albaani in the ” Saheeh of Al-Tirmidhi)
Narrated by Ali Bin Abi Taalib, May Allah be pleased with him, that the Prophet of Allah (Sal) said :
" Use Ithmid (kohl) for it is “Munbit” ( Grows) hair, removes “Al-Qada” (dirt, debris, germs etc), and acts as a “Masfah” (sieve, purifier, filter etc) for the vision).
Reported by Al-Tabarani in ” Al-Mu‘jam al-Kabeer -Graded Hasan Sahih by Almundiri, Al-Hafiz Al-Iraqy and Ibn Hajar in Fath-Albari (10/157) and Al-Targheeb Wal-Tarheeb (3/89))
All of the above hadiths prove that the prophet(Sal) encouraged the Muslims to put kohl in the eyes and none of these hadiths single out that only men can put kohl and not women. The prophet (Sal) gave e general advise meaning that for both men and women can put kohl. Some one might argue that women cannot put kohl when going outside. This argument is wrong because nowhere does it say that women cannot put kohl when going out.
Putting kohl is similar to putting mascara nowadays which is a form of makeup and if a woman can put kohl, then why cannot she put makeup.
The next evidence is the evidence of women putting henna.
Aishah (Rali) narrated,
" A woman gestured from behind a screen, with a letter to the Messenger of Allah (Sal) in her hand. The Messenger of Allah (Sal) withdrew his hand and said: “I do not know whether it is the hand of a man or a woman.” She said: It is a woman. He said: “If you were a woman, you would have changed your nails,” meaning, with henna.
(Abu-Dawud-Graded as Hasan Sahih by Albani in Sahih Abu-Dawud)
In the above hadith the prophet advised the woman to put henna to her nails and putting henna that time was similar to putting nail polish nowadays. If a woman can put henna, then why cannot she put nail polish of lipstick. Watch the below video to get an idea why make up is halal for women.
A Muslim girl is grooming herself to go out. She combs her hair then powders her face and puts on some lipstick and as she is about to go out, she is stopped and barraged with questions over her make up by her family or husband. This kind of stories are common among Muslim girls and women who have been criticized and told that wearing make up for a woman especially when she is going out is haram. If we only stick to the Quran and the authentic Sunnah of our messenger (Sal) with out blindly following the opinions of scholars, our lives would have been much easier and we would have realized clearly that women can ho out by wearing make up.
The argument that is wrongly put forward to prove that wearing make up is haram is based by those who believe that the niqab is wajib for a Muslim woman.
There is no clear evidence from the Quran or authentic hadith to prove that the niqab is wajib.
There are several hadiths which prove that the face veil for women is not wajib (obligatory). Wearing the face veil is only mustahab.
Narrated by al-Waleed from Sa’eed Ibn Basheer from Qataadah from Khalid Ibn Durayk from ‘Aishah (Rali), that Asma’ bint Abi Bakr entered upon the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) wearing a thin dress. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) turned away from her and said, “O Asma’, when a woman reaches the age of puberty, nothing should be seen of her except this and this” – and he pointed to his face and hands.
(Abu Dawud-authenticated by Albani using collaborating reports)
This authentic hadith is clear evidence that the face veil is not wajib. In another long hadith Narrated by Sahl b. Sa`d as-Saa`idee (Rali): A woman came to the Prophet (Sal) and said:
“O Allah’s Messenger, I have come to offer myself in marriage to you.” So Allah’s Messenger (Sal) looked her up and down carefully. After that he lowered his head. When the woman saw that he he had not decided anything regarding her, she sat down. Then a man from his Companions stood and said: “O Messenger of Allah, if you have no need for her marry her to me.”
(Bukhari,Muslim)
This hadith clearly proves that a lady had come to the gathering un-covered. If it was wajib, The prophet(sal) would have commanded her to cover her face.
I have written a detailed refutation of those who argue that the face veil is wajib. Please click here https://cjislam.weebly.com/why-covering-the-faceniqab-is-not-a-must.html to read the full article.
Evidence to prove that women can wear make up in public and there is clear evidence to prove
The first point I would like to explain is that Muslim women can uncover their faces in public. If a woman can show her face in public then why can't she beautify it. In a hadith, the prophet (Sal) said,
“Allaah is beautiful and loves beauty"
(Sahih Muslim)
In this hadith narrated in Sahih Muslim the companion asked the Prophet (Sal) on liking to wear beautifully and it was then the prophet (Sal) said that Allah loves beauty. The next argument that Islam encourages a Muslim to put kohl in to the eyes.
Ibn Abbas reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Verily, the best of the kohl that you use is antimony, for it brightens the eyes and grows the hair.”
(Sunan al-Nasai-Graded Sahih by Shiekh al-Albani)
Narrated by Ibn Abbaas, May Allah be pleased with them: Said the Prophet of Allah (Sal) said,
"Use Ithmid as a Kohl for it Yajlu (enhances, improves etc) vision and Yunbitu ( Grows, tames etc) hair )."
( Al-Tirmidhi and graded Saheed by Al-Albaani in the ” Saheeh of Al-Tirmidhi)
Narrated by Ali Bin Abi Taalib, May Allah be pleased with him, that the Prophet of Allah (Sal) said :
" Use Ithmid (kohl) for it is “Munbit” ( Grows) hair, removes “Al-Qada” (dirt, debris, germs etc), and acts as a “Masfah” (sieve, purifier, filter etc) for the vision).
Reported by Al-Tabarani in ” Al-Mu‘jam al-Kabeer -Graded Hasan Sahih by Almundiri, Al-Hafiz Al-Iraqy and Ibn Hajar in Fath-Albari (10/157) and Al-Targheeb Wal-Tarheeb (3/89))
All of the above hadiths prove that the prophet(Sal) encouraged the Muslims to put kohl in the eyes and none of these hadiths single out that only men can put kohl and not women. The prophet (Sal) gave e general advise meaning that for both men and women can put kohl. Some one might argue that women cannot put kohl when going outside. This argument is wrong because nowhere does it say that women cannot put kohl when going out.
Putting kohl is similar to putting mascara nowadays which is a form of makeup and if a woman can put kohl, then why cannot she put makeup.
The next evidence is the evidence of women putting henna.
Aishah (Rali) narrated,
" A woman gestured from behind a screen, with a letter to the Messenger of Allah (Sal) in her hand. The Messenger of Allah (Sal) withdrew his hand and said: “I do not know whether it is the hand of a man or a woman.” She said: It is a woman. He said: “If you were a woman, you would have changed your nails,” meaning, with henna.
(Abu-Dawud-Graded as Hasan Sahih by Albani in Sahih Abu-Dawud)
In the above hadith the prophet advised the woman to put henna to her nails and putting henna that time was similar to putting nail polish nowadays. If a woman can put henna, then why cannot she put nail polish of lipstick. Watch the below video to get an idea why make up is halal for women.
Most Muslims try their best to quote the opinions of scholars to rove their point. One argument is taken from the fatwa of Sheikh Albani. Sheikh Albani was asked about women wearing make up and he answered as follows,
“It is not permissible for the woman who does not wear hijaab, let alone who wears hijaab, to use the makeup of the disbeliever, the make-up of the rebellious and disobedient (to Allaah). When were you aware of some women’s adornment called by a name for which Allaah did not send down an authority: ‘make-up’? This is a word that we don’t know, not us nor your forefathers from before. Rather, it is a foreign word expressing an adornment for the rebellious and disobedient women of Europe; and our women – except those of them whom Allah protects – unfortunately imitate decorating themselves with this adornment which the Islamic society is being affected by, namely make-up. So it is not permissible for the woman. And this reality is one of the strange ironies: in the road we see a woman wearing a decent hijaab (but) I don’t say the Islamically legislated hijaab; she ties what they call the ‘ishaarb’ – or khimaar which is the (correct) Arabic word – covering her hair, her neck and so on, but she has face powder and lipstick on. This (wearing the hijaab) is against this (wearing make-up): two contradictory, conflicting matters that do not go together. What is the reason (for this type of occurrence)? It is one of two things: either ignorance and heedlessness of the Islamically legislated ruling or it is due to the women’s following of the whisperings of shaytaan. Therefore, we firstly remind the women who suffer from this make-up. Then secondly, we remind the guardians of women such as a father or a husband or a brother, due to the fact that (the Prophet) (‘alayhi ssalaat wa ssalaam) said: ‘Everyone of you is a shepherd and everyone of you is responsible for his flock. So the man is a shepherd and he is responsible for his flock-’(Sahih Al-Bukhari) to the end of the hadeeth. Thus, the Arabic or general proverb states: ‘The horse is from the horseman.’ So you, the husband of the woman, it is not permissible for you to allow her to go out in this manner which puts to trial the middle-aged men, let alone the young men! And you, O man, O father, O brother, are supposed to be very jealous. Why? Because the Prophet (Sal) used to say: ‘A duyyooth will not enter Paradise.(Sahih-at Targheeb) Why? Who is a duyyooth? He is the one who does not guard his womenfolk jealously.”
(Silsilat ul-hudaa wa noor-tape no. 697)
Let me break down the fatwa of Sheikh Albani. Sheikh Albani argues that wearing make up is the act of the disbelieving rebellious woman. Brothers who quote this fatwa should understand that it is only Sheikh Albani's personal opinion stating that wearing make up is copying the kuffar women. Women wear make up for so many reasons and giving a blanket fatwa without clear evidence from the Quran or authentic Sunnah should only be deemed as the opinion of the scholar and not a thing sanctioned in Islam. A Muslim woman could wear make up to beautify herself with out imitating a non Muslim women. There could be many reasons for someone to wear make up. If that is case then everything from putting powder to the face to putting perfume will automatically can become haram with one blanket fatwa stating that it is an imitation of the kuffar. What matters is the intention. The second argument of Sheikh Albani is that men should jealously guard the womenfolk and quotes the hadith where the prophet (Sal)_ said,
"‘A duyyooth will not enter Paradise"
(Narrated in Sahih at-Targheeb-2071)
The word "duyyooth" is used to mean by the Sheikh to jealously guard women. This word has many meanings and it generally means to allow the wife to fornicate. The prophet (Sal) explained this in another hadith.
Ibn Umar (Rali) narrated,
The prophet (Sal) said,
"“Three persons will not be looked upon by Allah Almighty on the Day of Resurrection: one who disobeys his parents, a woman who imitates men, and a man who allows his women to fornicate. Three persons will not enter Paradise: one who disobeys his parents, a drunkard, and one who reminds others of his charity.”
(Sunan Nasai-Graded Sahih by Albani)
Even for the sake of argument if we agree with Sheikh Albani that the word "duyyooth' means to jealously guard, then it could mean anything. In a nutshell, this hadith has nothing to do with women wearing make up and it is clear that the Sheikh has drawn his own conclusion. May Allah make his grave spacious.
It is clear that we should only stick to the Quran and the authentic hadiths and blind following a scholar even after it is evident that the scholar's opinion has no clear evidence from the Quran and the Sunnah should not be accepted. After analyzing all the evidence from the Quran and the Sunnah it is clear that there is no clear evidence to prove that women wearing make up in public is haram in Islam and blind following the opinions of the scholars is haram after it is established that the opinion of the scholar goes against the teachings of the Quran and the Sahih hadith.
“It is not permissible for the woman who does not wear hijaab, let alone who wears hijaab, to use the makeup of the disbeliever, the make-up of the rebellious and disobedient (to Allaah). When were you aware of some women’s adornment called by a name for which Allaah did not send down an authority: ‘make-up’? This is a word that we don’t know, not us nor your forefathers from before. Rather, it is a foreign word expressing an adornment for the rebellious and disobedient women of Europe; and our women – except those of them whom Allah protects – unfortunately imitate decorating themselves with this adornment which the Islamic society is being affected by, namely make-up. So it is not permissible for the woman. And this reality is one of the strange ironies: in the road we see a woman wearing a decent hijaab (but) I don’t say the Islamically legislated hijaab; she ties what they call the ‘ishaarb’ – or khimaar which is the (correct) Arabic word – covering her hair, her neck and so on, but she has face powder and lipstick on. This (wearing the hijaab) is against this (wearing make-up): two contradictory, conflicting matters that do not go together. What is the reason (for this type of occurrence)? It is one of two things: either ignorance and heedlessness of the Islamically legislated ruling or it is due to the women’s following of the whisperings of shaytaan. Therefore, we firstly remind the women who suffer from this make-up. Then secondly, we remind the guardians of women such as a father or a husband or a brother, due to the fact that (the Prophet) (‘alayhi ssalaat wa ssalaam) said: ‘Everyone of you is a shepherd and everyone of you is responsible for his flock. So the man is a shepherd and he is responsible for his flock-’(Sahih Al-Bukhari) to the end of the hadeeth. Thus, the Arabic or general proverb states: ‘The horse is from the horseman.’ So you, the husband of the woman, it is not permissible for you to allow her to go out in this manner which puts to trial the middle-aged men, let alone the young men! And you, O man, O father, O brother, are supposed to be very jealous. Why? Because the Prophet (Sal) used to say: ‘A duyyooth will not enter Paradise.(Sahih-at Targheeb) Why? Who is a duyyooth? He is the one who does not guard his womenfolk jealously.”
(Silsilat ul-hudaa wa noor-tape no. 697)
Let me break down the fatwa of Sheikh Albani. Sheikh Albani argues that wearing make up is the act of the disbelieving rebellious woman. Brothers who quote this fatwa should understand that it is only Sheikh Albani's personal opinion stating that wearing make up is copying the kuffar women. Women wear make up for so many reasons and giving a blanket fatwa without clear evidence from the Quran or authentic Sunnah should only be deemed as the opinion of the scholar and not a thing sanctioned in Islam. A Muslim woman could wear make up to beautify herself with out imitating a non Muslim women. There could be many reasons for someone to wear make up. If that is case then everything from putting powder to the face to putting perfume will automatically can become haram with one blanket fatwa stating that it is an imitation of the kuffar. What matters is the intention. The second argument of Sheikh Albani is that men should jealously guard the womenfolk and quotes the hadith where the prophet (Sal)_ said,
"‘A duyyooth will not enter Paradise"
(Narrated in Sahih at-Targheeb-2071)
The word "duyyooth" is used to mean by the Sheikh to jealously guard women. This word has many meanings and it generally means to allow the wife to fornicate. The prophet (Sal) explained this in another hadith.
Ibn Umar (Rali) narrated,
The prophet (Sal) said,
"“Three persons will not be looked upon by Allah Almighty on the Day of Resurrection: one who disobeys his parents, a woman who imitates men, and a man who allows his women to fornicate. Three persons will not enter Paradise: one who disobeys his parents, a drunkard, and one who reminds others of his charity.”
(Sunan Nasai-Graded Sahih by Albani)
Even for the sake of argument if we agree with Sheikh Albani that the word "duyyooth' means to jealously guard, then it could mean anything. In a nutshell, this hadith has nothing to do with women wearing make up and it is clear that the Sheikh has drawn his own conclusion. May Allah make his grave spacious.
It is clear that we should only stick to the Quran and the authentic hadiths and blind following a scholar even after it is evident that the scholar's opinion has no clear evidence from the Quran and the Sunnah should not be accepted. After analyzing all the evidence from the Quran and the Sunnah it is clear that there is no clear evidence to prove that women wearing make up in public is haram in Islam and blind following the opinions of the scholars is haram after it is established that the opinion of the scholar goes against the teachings of the Quran and the Sahih hadith.