Fatwa by: Former Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Ibn Baz (رحمہ اللہ)
Question:
A woman applied henna on her head after performing ablution (wudu) and then proceeded to pray. Is her prayer valid? If her ablution breaks, should she wipe over the henna or must she wash her hair again before performing wudu to pray?
Answer:
Applying henna on the head after obtaining ritual purity (minor or major) does not invalidate it. If a woman applies henna paste after performing wudu or ghusl, wiping over the head during minor purity (wudu) will suffice. However, in the case of major purity (ghusl), simply wiping the head will not suffice. It will be necessary to pour water over the head three times. The evidence for this is a narration from Sayyidah Umm Salamah (رضی اللہ عنہا), who asked:
"O Messenger of Allah, I tightly braid my hair. Do I need to undo it for ghusl after sexual impurity or menstruation?"
The Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) replied:
"No, it is sufficient for you to pour three handfuls of water over your head, then pour water over your body, and you will be purified."
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 330)
However, it is better for a woman to undo her hair when performing ghusl after menstruation, as other narrations support this practice.
And Allah is the Grantor of success.
Question:
A woman applied henna on her head after performing ablution (wudu) and then proceeded to pray. Is her prayer valid? If her ablution breaks, should she wipe over the henna or must she wash her hair again before performing wudu to pray?
Answer:
Applying henna on the head after obtaining ritual purity (minor or major) does not invalidate it. If a woman applies henna paste after performing wudu or ghusl, wiping over the head during minor purity (wudu) will suffice. However, in the case of major purity (ghusl), simply wiping the head will not suffice. It will be necessary to pour water over the head three times. The evidence for this is a narration from Sayyidah Umm Salamah (رضی اللہ عنہا), who asked:
"O Messenger of Allah, I tightly braid my hair. Do I need to undo it for ghusl after sexual impurity or menstruation?"
The Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) replied:
"No, it is sufficient for you to pour three handfuls of water over your head, then pour water over your body, and you will be purified."
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 330)
However, it is better for a woman to undo her hair when performing ghusl after menstruation, as other narrations support this practice.
And Allah is the Grantor of success.