Halal Nail Polish?

By M Ballim/ M.D Mangera
Posted: 26 Jamad ul awwal 1434, 06 April 2013

Q.)This news is all over the web today. There is a new nail polish that is claimed to be water permeable. This thing seems to have hit a big craze in the Muslim world and many may have started using it based on one opinion being promoted on the Internet. Is it okay to perform wudu while one has this nail polish on her nails?

A.) In principle, it is necessary in wudu and ghusal that water reaches the nail. We have not tested the mentioned product to verify whether it is permeable or not. You may refer to other Ulama as well. Since this is a matter of Ibadat it is best and more precautious to abstain from this until one is satisfied that water does indeed reach the nail.

And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best.

Albalagh Note:  According to Mufti Suhail Tarmahomed of Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) their tests indicated that the nail polish in question was not permeable. He writes:

“Due to the numerous requests from concerned Muslim sisters, the Jamiat looked into this particular product and conducted multiple tests. The results turned out to be negative and it was concluded that the nail polish is not water permeable and it prevents water from reaching the surface of the nail. Hence, this particular type of nail polish that is being marketed as Halal nail polish is not acceptable for wudu.”