QUESTION:
I’d like to know if applying henna with patterns on the hands and feet is correct? I heard someone say it’s a custom of the Hindus, but im not sure if there is any basis to this.
ANSWER:
Fundamentally, the application of henna (mehndi) is encouraged in Shari’ah. However, going all out to apply intricate Mehndi patterns and paying exorbitant prices for this, is completely against the grain of our Shariah. Shariah advocates simplicity and this should be kept in mind while doing Mehndi patterns as well.
It is recorded in Mirqaat that, applying Henna to the hands and feet is Mustahab. It is generally used to colour the hands and feet, but we haven’t found any prohibition preventing females from decorating the hands (palms) with a flower or pattern. The Hindu custom is to apply Henna to the bride from head to toe, which is a futile exercise and done for show. This is not the case with Muslims, hence there is no problem with applying henna in the usual way by applying to the hands, nails, feet, etc. or drawing a little flower or pattern on the hands (palms). Yes, it should not be applied to the rest of the body.
اما خضب اليدين والرجلين فيستحب في حق النساء (مرقاة المفاتيح ص304 ج8)
ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Abdur Rahman Abdur Razak
Date:- 28 Rabi-ul-Aakhir 1445 / 13 November 2023
CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai Saheb
