Fatwa by: Former Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Ibn Baz (may Allah have mercy on him)
Question:
Question:
- What is the ruling on trimming excess eyebrow hair?
- What is the ruling on growing nails and applying nail polish? Please note that I perform wudu before applying nail polish and remove it after 24 hours.
- Can a woman leave her face uncovered while traveling?
- Trimming Eyebrow Hair: It is not permissible to remove or thin the eyebrow hair. This ruling is based on the authentic saying of the Prophet (peace be upon him), who cursed the woman who removes facial hair and the one who has it removed. Scholars have clarified that removing eyebrow hair falls under this prohibition.
- Growing Nails and Applying Nail Polish: Growing nails is against the Sunnah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"Five things are part of the natural disposition: circumcision, shaving pubic hair, trimming the mustache, plucking the armpit hair, and clipping the nails."
[Sahih Muslim, Book of Purification, Chapter 16]
It is narrated from Anas (may Allah be pleased with him):
"The Prophet (peace be upon him) set a time for us to trim the mustache, clip the nails, pluck the armpit hair, and shave the pubic hair, and that we should not leave it for more than forty days."
[Sahih Muslim, Book of Purification]
Additionally, growing nails resembles the practices of wild animals and disbelievers. As for nail polish, it must be removed for wudu because it prevents water from reaching the nails, which is necessary for proper purification. - Covering the Face While Traveling: It is obligatory for a woman to observe hijab in front of non-mahram men, whether she is traveling within her country or abroad. Allah Almighty commands:
"And when you ask [the wives of the Prophet] for something, ask them from behind a partition. That is purer for your hearts and their hearts."
[Surah Al-Ahzab: 53]
This verse applies to the face and all other parts of the body. The face is a significant part of a woman’s identity and a source of her beauty. Allah also says:
"O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful."
[Surah Al-Ahzab: 59]
Additionally, Allah says:
"And not expose their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers..."
[Surah An-Nur: 31]
These verses are evidence of the obligation for a woman to observe hijab in all places, whether among Muslims or non-Muslims. No believing woman should be lax in this matter, as disobedience to Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him) brings harm. Unveiling oneself leads to trials for the woman both inside and outside the home.