The Ruling on Men Applying Henna to Their Hands and Feet
Question
Is it permissible for men to apply henna to their hands and feet?
Answer
الحمد لله، والصلاة والسلام علىٰ رسول الله، أما بعد!
The Prohibition on Henna for Men
It is not permissible for men to apply henna to their hands and feet,
because this act involves imitating women.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ cursed men who imitate women,
and he also cursed women who imitate men.
The Hadith Reference
Imam Abu Dawud has narrated this incident in his “Sunan” (Vol. 2, p. 326, Kitab al-Adab):
Hadrat Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that:
A mukhannath (a person who has feminine characteristics) was brought to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ,
who had applied henna to his hands and feet.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “ما بال ھٰذا؟” “Why does he do this?”
The people said: “He imitates women,”
so he ordered that he be banished to Naqi’.
Someone said: “O Messenger of Allah ﷺ! Why do you not kill him?”
He replied:
“إني نهيت عن قتل المصلين”
“I have been forbidden to kill those who pray.”
The Ruling Derived from This Hadith
This sahih hadith is clear evidence that:
it is not permissible for men to apply henna to their hands and feet.
However, if henna is applied due to illness, it is permissible.
As the Prophet’s ﷺ words “ما بال ھٰذا؟” (Why is he doing this?)
indicate, if the intention is treatment, applying henna is correct.
Henna Used as Treatment
It is also reported in the hadiths that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ
used to place henna on a diseased area.
Encouragement of Henna for Women
Women have been strongly encouraged to apply henna,
For further details, refer to:
Applying Henna to the Beard
Applying henna to the beard is Sunnah.
ھذا ما عندي واللہ أعلم بالصواب
