Promises of Allah for taqwa

 Islamic Guidelines for Beauty and Personal Care

Filing the Teeth

Filing or thinning the teeth for the sake of beauty, or creating gaps between them, is considered impermissible and is among the acts that are condemned.

Doing so involves altering the natural appearance created by Allah, which is regarded as a blameworthy act and is strictly prohibited.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

"May Allah curse the women who create gaps between their teeth for the sake of beauty, thereby changing the creation of Allah."

Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari

Ruling on Imported Makeup Products

Many beauty and makeup products such as powder, cream, lipstick, lotion, nail polish, and similar items are imported from other countries.

It is sometimes claimed that some of these products contain pig fat or fat derived from dead animals, both of which are prohibited in Islamic law.

The question therefore arises: Is it permissible to use such products?

The answer is that if it is established with certainty that these products contain ingredients that are Islamically prohibited, such as pig fat or fat from dead animals, and it is also certain that these substances have not undergone a complete chemical transformation into a different substance, then using such products is not permissible. Muslims should avoid them because they are considered unlawful and impure.

Reference: Islamic Rulings on Women's Adornment

Using Lipstick

The ruling on lipstick depends on its effect.

If the lipstick does not form a waterproof layer and allows water to reach the skin during wudu and ghusl, then its use is permissible.

However, if it creates a layer that prevents water from reaching the skin, then it must be removed before performing wudu or ghusl.

Author's Advice:

Every Muslim should reflect on whether it is better to remain in a state of purity whenever possible.

A sincere believer who truly seeks the pleasure of Allah and follows the Sunnah gives priority to Allah's commands over worldly beauty.

Such people value the simple lifestyle of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ rather than worldly decoration.

Simplicity is a sign of faith.

Using Nail Polish

If nail polish forms a layer that prevents water from reaching the nails during wudu or ghusl, then applying it is not permissible while purification is required.

If it does not prevent water from reaching the nails, then its use is permissible.

In practice, ordinary nail polish usually forms a waterproof layer that blocks water from reaching the nails.

Therefore, it is better for Muslim women to avoid unnecessary extravagance and imitation of others, as it often results in wasted time and money.

Keeping Long Nails and Trimming Them

Beautifying and shaping the nails is permissible.

However, many women keep their nails excessively long and do not trim them.

The Sunnah is to trim the nails once every week. If this is delayed, they should be cut within fifteen days. The maximum period allowed is forty days.

Delaying beyond forty days or intentionally keeping excessively long nails is not permissible.

References: Sahih Muslim 129; Fatawa Alamgiri 5/357

The Sunnah Method of Cutting Nails

Cutting the nails itself is a Sunnah, and there is no obligatory method for doing so. The Sunnah is fulfilled regardless of the order in which the nails are trimmed.

However, some jurists have recommended beginning with the index finger of the right hand and ending with the right thumb. For the feet, they recommended beginning with the little toe of the right foot and ending with the little toe of the left foot.

It is preferable to trim the nails on Friday before the Jumu'ah prayer.

It is also permissible to trim the nails at night. After trimming them, they may be disposed of anywhere other than the toilet or bathroom, although burying them is considered preferable.

Reference: Fatawa Hindiyyah 5/357