Most-asked question

Is wudhu valid with nail polish or henna?

44 fatawa in the archive answer questions on this, from 5 South African Darul Iftas (AskImam, Mufti Online, Jamiat KZN, Azaadville, Ibn Masood). Below, each Darul Ifta’s answer is quoted word for word from the opening of one of its fatawa.

Based on the fatawa linked below. Please read the sources and double-check with a Darul Ifta for your situation.

Consult a mufti for your situation. Fatawa SA is a read-only archive and issues no rulings of its own.

What the Darul Iftas say

“If the nail polish is non porous, then your wudu will not be valid. If your wudu is not valid, then your salaah will also not be valid. Therefore, you should not use this nail polish. Explain to your husband since this will cause your wudu and salaah to be invalid, using it is not permissible.”

Mufti Online — Woman using nail polish to please her husband · 29 Aug 2026

“It is permissible for a woman to apply nail polish whilst in menstruation. However, it is advisable to refrain from doing so. If a woman passes away whilst wearing nail polish, the nail polish should be removed before performing the Ghusl.”

AskImam — Ghusl of a deceased wearing nail polish · 10 Aug 2021

“We are not aware of any halaal nail polish. A test was conducted on some nail polish which claimed to be water permeable. However the results proved otherwise. Wudhu is the prerequisite for the validity of salah. One should exercise extreme precaution in ensuring the wudhu is valid.”

Jamiat KZN — ” Halaal ” Nail Polish? · 30 Sep 2015

“The wearing of nail polish is a western concept initiated by the Kuffar. In the Quraan Sharif we are instructed to contradict the ways and mannerisms of the Kuffar in every way.”

Ibn Masood — Wearing nail polish · 11 Feb 2022

Quotes are the opening words of each answer as published; the full answer, its conditions and references are on the fatwa page. Answers depend on the exact details of each question.

Read the fatawa

  1. Woman using nail polish to please her husband Mufti Online · 29 Aug 2026
  2. Henna nail polish Ibn Masood · 2 May 2023
  3. Wearing Nail Polish During Haidh And Nifaas Azaadville · 6 Aug 2022
  4. Ghusl of a deceased wearing nail polish AskImam · 10 Aug 2021
  5. ” Halaal ” Nail Polish? Jamiat KZN · 30 Sep 2015
  6. Breathable nail polish Mufti Online · 28 Jul 2022
  7. Wearing nail polish Ibn Masood · 11 Feb 2022
  8. Ghusl For A Woman Who Died Wearing Nail Polish Azaadville · 6 Aug 2022
  9. Applying Henna on the nails AskImam · 14 Jan 2021
  10. Wudhu with ‘Halaal’ nail polish Jamiat KZN · 27 Aug 2015
  11. Making wudhu with nail polish Mufti Online · 21 Dec 2019
  12. Are these so-called Halaāl nail polishes Halaāl? AskImam · 7 Aug 2020
  13. Removing nail polish and hair extensions from the deceased Mufti Online · 16 Jan 2017
  14. Is the Tuesday in love nail polish permissible? AskImam · 23 Mar 2020
  15. Making wudhu with nail polish Mufti Online · 29 Mar 2016

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