WUDHU / GHUSL WITH NAIL POLISH AND MEHNDI

Q: If a woman dies with nail polish on her nails, should it be removed for the ghusl to be correct or not? It should be noted that nail polish removers can be found to easily remove the nail polish. Similarly if her hair are dyed, should they be cut off for the ghusl to be correct or left as they are?

Answer -
When nail polish is applied on nails, it not only gives colour to them but also forms a thick layer on them which does not let the water reach their surface and this in turn causes the wudhu (ablution) and the ghusl (taking bath) to be incomplete. Therefore for their being complete and correct it is necessary to get water reach the nails’ surface by removing the nail polish. Certain nail polish removers are easily available in the market that should be used before making wudhu and ghusl. Using nail polish is not even permissible for the women. Therefoe, wudhu and ghusl done with nail polish on the nails will be regarded incorrect and consequently the women will remain in the state of being without wudhu and unclean (requiring proper ghusl to be done). All the prayers performed in such a state will not be valid and correct.

Hair-dye, when applied to the hair, works in a similar way as mahndi does, when applied on the hands or the hair. It only gives them a colour and does not put a thick layer on them and therefore, does not prevent water to. get to the hair. Just as wudhu and ghusl are correct with mahndi used on the hands or the hair, similar is true with hair-dye used on the hair. Also, it is unlawful and prohibited [Haraam] for the women to cut or get cut their hair. (Shaami vol.1; Ahsanul Fataawa vol.2 pg.26)

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Mufti Ismail Kaccholvi
Bradford, UK