Applying Mendhi for Diwali

QUESTION:

Is it permissible to advertise and apply Mendhi for Hindus who are celebrating Diwali? If Mendhi is a service offered and non-Muslim ladies request the application of Mendhi for Diwali, will it be permissible?

ANSWER:

It is not permissible to advertise one’s business (of applying Mendhi) for the Hindu festival of Diwali. We should totally disassociate ourselves from their beliefs and festivals of Kufr. Yes, there is no harm in offering the service to all in a general manner. Now, if a Hindu lady has Mendhi applied to her hand just as any other female would do (without knowing that she is beautifying herself for Diwali), then the transaction will be in order without any form of abhorrence. If it is known that the Hindu ladies are beautifying themselves for their Diwali festival, then the transaction will be Makrooh. [Re: Jawahirul Fiqh Pg.512 Vol.7 / Fataawa Darul Uloom Zakariyyah Pg.165 Vol:5]

ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:

Maulana Ahmed Saeed

Date:- 10 Rabi-ul-Aakhir 1445 / 26 October 2023

CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:

Mufti Mohammed Desai Saheb