❖ 5 Sharʿi Rulings Regarding Men Applying Henna ❖
Source: Fatāwā al-Dīn al-Khāliṣ, Volume 1, Page 403
Is it permissible for men to apply henna to their hands and feet?
الحمد لله، والصلاة والسلام علىٰ رسول الله، أما بعد!
It is not permissible for men to apply henna to their hands and feet.
This practice involves imitating women,
and the Messenger of Allah ﷺ cursed those men who imitate women,
and likewise cursed those women who imitate men.
Imām Abū Dāwūd narrated in his Sunan (Volume 2, Page 326, Chapter: Manners):
Sayyiduna Abū Hurayrah رضي الله عنه reported:
A mukhannath (a man exhibiting effeminate traits) was brought before the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
He had applied henna to his hands and feet.
The Prophet ﷺ said: "What is the matter with this one?"
The people replied: "He imitates women."
The Prophet ﷺ ordered that he be sent to Naqīʿ (a place in exile).
Someone said: "O Messenger of Allah ﷺ, why do you not have him killed?"
He ﷺ replied:
"إني نهيت عن قتل المصلين"
"I have been prohibited from killing those who perform prayer."
This authentic hadith is a clear proof that:
➤ It is not permissible for men to apply henna to their hands and feet.
However, if henna is applied due to illness or medical need, then it is allowed.
This is inferred from the Prophet’s ﷺ words "ما بال ھٰذا؟" (“What is the matter with this one?”),
which imply that if it were for treatment, it would not have been objected to.
Hadith literature also records that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to apply henna
on injured or diseased areas of the body as a remedy.
Women have been encouraged extensively to apply henna.
Reference: Nayl al-Awṭār (Page 6344)
Applying henna to the beard is regarded as a Sunnah.
ھذا ما عندي، واللہ أعلم بالصواب
① Men applying henna to hands and feet is prohibited, due to resemblance with women.
② The Prophet ﷺ cursed men who imitate women.
③ A ḥadīth from Abū Dāwūd explicitly mentions the prohibition.
④ Exception: Henna use for treatment or medical necessity is permissible.
⑤ Using henna in the beard is Sunnah, and encouraged.
Source: Fatāwā al-Dīn al-Khāliṣ, Volume 1, Page 403
✦ Ruling on Men Applying Henna to Hands and Feet
❖ Question:
Is it permissible for men to apply henna to their hands and feet?
✔ Response:
الحمد لله، والصلاة والسلام علىٰ رسول الله، أما بعد!
◈ Prohibition for Men in Applying Henna
It is not permissible for men to apply henna to their hands and feet.
This practice involves imitating women,
and the Messenger of Allah ﷺ cursed those men who imitate women,
and likewise cursed those women who imitate men.
◈ Referenced Hadith
Imām Abū Dāwūd narrated in his Sunan (Volume 2, Page 326, Chapter: Manners):
Sayyiduna Abū Hurayrah رضي الله عنه reported:
A mukhannath (a man exhibiting effeminate traits) was brought before the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
He had applied henna to his hands and feet.
The Prophet ﷺ said: "What is the matter with this one?"
The people replied: "He imitates women."
The Prophet ﷺ ordered that he be sent to Naqīʿ (a place in exile).
Someone said: "O Messenger of Allah ﷺ, why do you not have him killed?"
He ﷺ replied:
"إني نهيت عن قتل المصلين"
"I have been prohibited from killing those who perform prayer."
◈ Ruling Derived from This Hadith
This authentic hadith is a clear proof that:
➤ It is not permissible for men to apply henna to their hands and feet.
However, if henna is applied due to illness or medical need, then it is allowed.
This is inferred from the Prophet’s ﷺ words "ما بال ھٰذا؟" (“What is the matter with this one?”),
which imply that if it were for treatment, it would not have been objected to.
◈ Henna as a Medical Treatment
Hadith literature also records that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to apply henna
on injured or diseased areas of the body as a remedy.
◈ Encouragement for Women to Use Henna
Women have been encouraged extensively to apply henna.
Reference: Nayl al-Awṭār (Page 6344)
◈ Applying Henna to the Beard
Applying henna to the beard is regarded as a Sunnah.
ھذا ما عندي، واللہ أعلم بالصواب
❀ Summary of the 5 Sharʿi Rulings:
① Men applying henna to hands and feet is prohibited, due to resemblance with women.
② The Prophet ﷺ cursed men who imitate women.
③ A ḥadīth from Abū Dāwūd explicitly mentions the prohibition.
④ Exception: Henna use for treatment or medical necessity is permissible.
⑤ Using henna in the beard is Sunnah, and encouraged.
