Question:
Asalaamu ‘alaikum,
I know this issue was addressed on 6th November 2014 where understandably the
water permeability of the brand “Inglot” was questionable. However, since then
there have been nail polish created by Muslims with the purpose of being
breathable so that it would not nullify a woman’s wudhu. A recent brand “Ruhi
Essentials” was even certified by Darul Uloom, with instructional videos posted
as proof of how water reaches the nails. I understand & agree with all the
points covered in the previous article, but I was wondering if this article
could be updated to address these Muslim brands as well- whether it’s the same
opinion as with the Inglot brand or if it’s different. JazakAllah khair
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
The current ‘halaal’ nail polishes, including the Ruhi brand, which claim to be permeable will still render one’s Wudhu invalid.
Even if water permeates on a tissue paper after vigorously rubbing for 20 seconds, it is highly unlikely that water covers the entire extent of the nail. If even the extent of a pins head is left dry, the Wudhu will be invalid.
Moreover, a condition for the validity of Wudhu as explained in the Quraan requires each part including the nails to be washed with flowing water. Therefore the nails must be washed to the extent that water drips off after washing. It can clearly be seen that this condition does not take place in this nail polish, leaving one’s Wudhu incomplete.
While we understand the desire of our sisters for a viable alternative to conventional nail-polish, we also iterate that the issue of Wudhu’ is a very important and significant one for our Deen. Wudhu’ is the basic requirement for one of the mightiest worship in Islam, the Salah. If one is not cautious in securing one’s Wudhu’, one would jeopardize this pillar of Islam. The issue of breathable nail-polish directly affects the validity of one’s Wudhu’ and Salah. Hence, caution is extremely important.
Moreover, there is always an option to use henna as an alternative means of beautification. Henna is recommended by Rasulullah Sallallaahu Alahi Wasallam himself, and Wudhu with the henna is also permissible.
N.B. According to our understanding, the Darul Uloom does not approve of the nail polish.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Mufti Arshad Ali
Darul Iftaa, Jaamia Madinatul Uloom (Trinidad)
