This excerpt is taken from the book of Fadhilat al-Shaykh Mubashir Ahmad Rabbani, may Allah have mercy on him, Ahkam and Masail of Ramadan.
Does applying henna to hair break the fast?
Question:.
Is it permissible to apply henna to hair while in the state of prayer and fasting? I have heard that using henna breaks the fast?
Fatwa:.
This is not correct. Using henna while fasting does not break the fast. Just as using kohl and putting drops of medicine in the ear or eye do not break the fast, similarly applying henna on the head does not break the fast and does not harm the fast at all. Regarding the question about henna during prayer, it is not clear what is meant by this question? Because for a woman who has to pray, it is not possible for her to apply henna (as her head would be uncovered). Perhaps the question means whether one can perform ablution if henna is applied? The answer is that the use of henna does not affect the validity of ablution because henna does not create a layer on the body that prevents water from reaching the skin. The use of henna only shows color on the body, while what affects ablution is something that exists in such a way that it obstructs water from reaching the skin. Therefore, if any such substance is used, it is necessary to remove it before performing ablution so that the ablution can be valid.
