❖ Question:
Is it permissible to apply henna to the hair during fasting and prayer? I have heard that applying henna invalidates the fast.
❖ Answer:
There is no basis for the claim that applying henna during fasting invalidates the fast. Applying henna does not break the fast, nor does it have any impact on the fasting person. This is similar to applying kohl (eyeliner), or putting medicine in the ears or eyes — none of these harm the fast or invalidate it.
As for the question of applying henna during prayer, this seems to be based on a misunderstanding, as a woman who is performing prayer cannot apply henna at that moment. Perhaps the question is asking whether wudu is valid after applying henna?
The answer is: Yes, wudu is valid after applying henna, because henna does not form a barrier on the skin that would prevent water from reaching it. Henna is only a stain, and what matters in wudu is the removal of any physical barrier that prevents water from touching the skin. Therefore, there is no need to remove henna for a valid wudu.
— Shaykh Ibn ʿUthaymīn (رحمه الله)
Is it permissible to apply henna to the hair during fasting and prayer? I have heard that applying henna invalidates the fast.
❖ Answer:
There is no basis for the claim that applying henna during fasting invalidates the fast. Applying henna does not break the fast, nor does it have any impact on the fasting person. This is similar to applying kohl (eyeliner), or putting medicine in the ears or eyes — none of these harm the fast or invalidate it.
As for the question of applying henna during prayer, this seems to be based on a misunderstanding, as a woman who is performing prayer cannot apply henna at that moment. Perhaps the question is asking whether wudu is valid after applying henna?
The answer is: Yes, wudu is valid after applying henna, because henna does not form a barrier on the skin that would prevent water from reaching it. Henna is only a stain, and what matters in wudu is the removal of any physical barrier that prevents water from touching the skin. Therefore, there is no need to remove henna for a valid wudu.
— Shaykh Ibn ʿUthaymīn (رحمه الله)
