Chapter 3 of the “Complicated” series on women’s fiqh addresses rulings related to clothing and beautification. Sheikh Waleed Basyouni establishes a foundational principle: determining what is halal (permissible) and haram (forbidden) is solely the right of Allah, based on evidence from the Quran and Sunnah — not personal opinions or cultural norms.
Core Principles of Islamic Dress and Beautification
- The default ruling: All clothing is permissible unless specifically prohibited by Sharia — the options for halal beautification are vast
- Shaytan’s goal is exposure: From the time of Adam, Satan’s objective has been to strip humanity of modesty. When Adam and Hawwa ate from the tree, they immediately rushed to cover themselves
- Modesty builds society: One of the goals of Sharia is to establish morality in society, and haya (modesty) is a branch of iman (faith)
- Beauty is encouraged within limits: Allah is beautiful and loves beauty. Islam encourages looking presentable while maintaining proper boundaries
- Control your desires: It is your right to feel beautiful, but beautification should not become an obsession that controls your life
“What differentiates Muslims from disbelief is submitting yourself to the will of your Lord. It’s not someone’s opinion or logic that makes things haram — it’s evidence from the Quran and the Sunnah.”
Common Questions on Grooming and Appearance
- Cosmetic surgery: Not permitted for mere beautification, but allowed for medical necessity
- Tattoos: Permanent tattoos are not permitted as they change Allah’s creation; temporary ones (like henna) are fine
- Hair dyeing: Permissible in all colors, including black, for women
- Hair extensions: Synthetic hair is permitted; real human hair is not
- Eyebrow plucking: The hadith prohibition remains clear and straightforward
- Laser hair removal: Permissible
- Working as a beautician: Permitted and even recommended, as long as Islamic boundaries (such as not viewing another woman’s awrah) are maintained
Islam strikes a beautiful balance between encouraging self-care and maintaining modesty. The vast scope of what is halal in clothing and beautification shows that Sharia is not restrictive but rather protective — guiding believers to honor the bodies entrusted to them by their Creator.
