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234 questions answered by Sh. Mustafa Umar. Search in your own words or pick a topic.
Can I wear clothing with images on it?
If clothing has an image of an animate being, such as a human or animal, and it is large, detailed, and prominent, then it is disliked to wear it or pray in it. However, if the image is either small (such that a person looking at it from a distance cannot make it out) or in a non-prominent place, such as a floormat that is stepped on or a pillow that is reclined against, then it is not disliked.
Can I get a tattoo or semi-permanent tattoo? Can I get a henna or sticker tattoo?
Tattooing is to inject ink under the skin for beautification purposes. Even if the ink fades over time (sometimes marketed as “semi-permanent”), this process is prohibited because it changes the natural state of your body the way Allah created you. Sticker tattoos, henna tattoos, body painting, and markers/pens do not use a needle to get under the skin, and therefore fade away quickly, so they are not really considered “tattoos” but rather body art. Those are all permissible forms or temporary body art.
Can I trim the hair on my eyebrows? Can I pluck, wax, shave, or thread them? Can I bleach them? Can I laminate or tint them with semi-permanent dye?
Yes, you can trim, pluck out, or dye hairs from your eyebrows if people are not deceived into thinking that is your natural look and it is not done in a way to seduce other men (besides your husband).
What type of jewelry can men wear?
Men can wear any jewelry like a ring, bracelet, or necklace if it is not made of gold and it is not specific to women in a particular culture. Earrings, for example, are still specific to women in most cultures around the world.
What part of the body must a woman cover in front of another woman? What about another man?
The part of a woman’s body which must be covered in front of other women (called `awrah) is from the navel to the knees (technically). So a woman should not uncover her thigh even in front of her mother, sister, or close friend. The same applies for a man in front of another man, like when changing in a locker room or swimming in a pool.
Should I get circumcised if I am an adult and never got it done?
Circumcision is highly recommended for baby boys and is a distinguishing feature of Muslim identity. However, if someone never got it done, for whatever reason, then it is recommended if there is no harm expected and the person can tolerate the pain involved. If there is likely to be some harm to the body or the person is afraid of the pain from the operation, it is not required to do so.
How often should I trim my body hair and nails?
It is recommended to trim, shave, pluck, or wax your underarm hair, pubic hair, and moustache regularly. It is also recommended to trim your nails regularly. This should be done every week or two and it is forbidden to leave it for more than forty days.
Should a woman cover her head when reciting Qur’an?
No, there is no need to do that. However, if she does it out of reverence and respect, not believing it to be prescribed, then it is fine.
Can I wear a tie?
Imitating non-Muslims in clothing that is unique to their religion is forbidden, such as dressing like a nun. Since a necktie is not connected to Christianity and is not exclusive to non-Muslims, it is fine to wear it.
Can I use hair regrowth products or get a hair transplant? Can I wear a wig or hair extensions?
Using hair regrowth products such as shampoos, vitamins, or other chemicals is allowed as long as they are not harmful.
Can I remove unwanted body hair? Can I do it permanently through electrolysis or laser?
It is recommended to trim/shave/pluck under your arms, in your pubic region, and your moustache area. Removing other unwanted body hair like on the chest, back, and legs is allowed, and is often done for sports or for style.
Can I wear clothing with alcohol or drug advertisements on it?
A Muslim must not wear any clothing that promotes alcohol or anything forbidden. This would indirectly support their industry.
Can I use skin lightening cream?
Using skin lightening cream as a beautification method is fine to use since it does not try to actually alter or mutilate your body the way tattoos or cosmetic surgery does. However, if this cream is used to deceive other people about the true color of your skin, such as a potential spouse, then it is unlawful. Also, if the cream is harmful for your body, then it would also be disliked or prohibited depending on the amount of harm caused.
Are ear-piercings and nose-piercings allowed?
Yes, both nose and ear piercings are allowed for women.
Can I get cosmetic surgery like liposuction or a nose job? What about non-surgical procedures like botox injections? What about tattoos? What about getting braces to straighten my teeth or laser eye surgery?
Any surgery for beautification is not allowed since it is considered to change the nature that Allah created people with. It is viewed as a type of mutilation of the body, even if that is the latest beauty fashion. Therefore, the surgical removal of excess body fat or reshaping the nose is forbidden if done for beautification.
Can I pluck out gray or white hair?
It is somewhat disliked (makruh) to pluck out gray or white hair from your head, beard, or moustache for beautification. Gray or white hair is often seen as a sign of maturity in this world and instills respect and honor, and also reminds you that you are getting closer to death through old age.
These answers are general guidance. For your own situation, ask a scholar.