Nail Polish

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX

Nail polish

O Allah (The Exalted) bless our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as You ordered us to ask for blessings upon him.

A woman had infected nails with pus. She had seen many Doctors for treatment but found no cure. She went to someone who was a specialist. After looking at her nails the Doctor asked her “How long has she been using nail polish for?” She said; “I have been using it for the past five and a half years.” The Doctor said “Do not use the nail polish then we will start the treatment.” With a period of three weeks the infection healed and she did not need treatment.

The disadvantages of nail polish are that (whether they are suitable for vegetarian or not) they are made from chemicals which are not beneficial for the nails and could lead to many illnesses. It can affect the body giving birth to illness.

The nail care experts state the following; “People who opt to have silk wraps or acrylic nails applied require major hygiene and regular maintenance to be safe. These methods require the nail to be sanded down, weakening them considerably. Chemicals used to bond the new nails may cause an allergic reaction in some people. Also, should a space develop between the natural and applied nails, bacterial or fungal infections can develop and are difficult to treat. Nail polish or false nails can lead to fungal infections causing discoloured or spongy nails. Treatment of fungal infections takes a long time to be dealt with and can take up to a 6-month course of oral medication to ensure a complete cure. When the acrylic nails or polish is used, natural nails become very weak and prone to tearing. It will take much time for the nails to recover.”

We find that by not following the Sunnah of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) there is a chance of illnesses etc. ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates, “A woman made a sign from behind a curtain to indicate that she had a letter for the Apostle of Allah. The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) closed his hand, saying, ‘I do not know this is a man’s or a woman’s hand.’ She said, ‘No, a woman.’ He said, ‘If you were a woman, you would make a difference to your nails, meaning with henna.’” i

i Abu Dawood

It is not permissible for one to colour the nails with polish etc. if Wudhu is done with this then it will not count. Most of the nail varnishes are made from unlawful ingredients. The angles do not enter that house where there is a impure person.