Shar‘i Ruling on Applying a Mixture of Black and Red Henna to the Beard
Source: Fatāwā Muḥammadiyyah, Volume 1, Page 859
❖ Question:
Is it permissible to apply a mixture of black and red henna to the beard?
✿ Answer:
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, and blessings and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah. To proceed:
If red henna dominates the mixture of black and red dye, then it is permissible.
However, if black color dominates, then it is impermissible.
Sayyidunā Jābir ibn ʿAbdillāh رضي الله عنه narrated:
At the time of the conquest of Makkah, Abū Quḥāfah رضي الله عنه (the father of Abū Bakr al-Ṣiddīq رضي الله عنه) was brought before the Prophet ﷺ.
His head and beard were completely white, glistening like white flowers.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"غيِّروا هذا بشيءٍ، واجتنبوا السواد."
Sunan Abī Dāwūd, Book of Dyeing (2/226)
Translation:
“Change this (white hair) with something else, but avoid black dye.”
❖ Clarification:
As for the practice of Sayyidunā Ḥusayn رضي الله عنه (using black dye), it is not a valid Shar‘i proof, but a personal action. The great Imams of Islam have clarified this point.
Imām al-Shāfiʿī رحمه الله said:
"There is no binding proof in the statement of anyone other than the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, even if they are many. Neither in analogy nor in any religious matter. In reality, there is no alternative to submitting to the obedience of Allah and His Messenger."
Ḥujjatullāh al-Bālighah, Vol. 1, Pg. 157
This is what I understand. And Allah knows best what is correct.
هٰذا ما عندي، والله أعلم بالصواب
