Removing the unibrow for males

Question:-

Is it permissible for males to remove their unibrow?

Answer:-

Trimming and shaping the eyebrows/unibrow on the basis of fashion, is not permitted in Shariah. It is recorded in the commentary of Abu Dawud Sharif that, changing the natural creation of Allah Ta’ala (which includes shaping of the eyebrows/unibrow) is Haraam, and it is for this reason that those who trim the eyebrows/unibrow (in the form of a thin line or something similar), are cursed by Allah Ta’ala.

وقد حرم الاسلام تغير خلق الله فلعن الواصلة والمستوصلة والنامصة والمتنمصة والواشمة والمستوشمة (شرح سنن ابي داود لعبد المحسن العباد ص269 ج23)

However, if the eyebrows/unibrow become extremely thick and, as a result, block one’s vision and sight, then Shariah has permitted one to trim the eyebrows/unibrow, whereby one is able to see properly once again.

Similarly, some Ulama have stated that if the eyebrows/unibrow become extremely thick and untidy, which is considered as a defect and generally disliked by people, then trimming the eyebrows/unibrow to attain neatness is permitted. [Re:- Fataawa Darul Uloom Zakariyya Pg. Page.317 Vol.7] This is generally the case with elderly people and not young people, hence, the ruling will be applicable to the elderly to a greater extent.

ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:

Mufti Mohammed Desai

Date: 02 Dhul Qa’dah 1444 / 23 May 2023