السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
Is it permissible to dye ones hair with hair dye or mendhi?
If so, is it permissible to dye the hair black?
شكراً و احسن الجزء
Answer
wa’alaykum as Salam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu,
It is permissible and in fact encouraged the use of Henna (Mehndhi), which is, in essence, a reddish colouring for the hair. In fact, Shari’ah has also permitted the use of other colours such as yellow, brown, etc. However, it should also be understood that this permissibility of applying Henna and other dyes pertains to graying and whitening hairs. A young man or woman whose hair has not started graying has no need to colour his or her hair with Henna or any other dyes, and should thus abstain from it. Thus, the trend seen nowadays of young men and women dying their natural hair with “loud” and absurd colours such as purple, bright orange, etc. is a fashionable trend set by the Kuffaar and, as Muslims, we have been prohibited from imitating the Kuffaar.
However, it is not permissible to use black dye. Very severe warnings are narrated in the Ahadeeth for those who use black dye. Imaam Abu Dawood (may Allah have mercy on him) narrates on the authority of Abdullah bin Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him) that Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said:
“At the end of time there will be people who will use this black dye like the crops of doves, they will not experience the fragrance of Jannah. (Sunan Abu Dawood vol.4 pg.139)
This Hadeeth clearly illustrates the prohibition of the usage of black dye. It’s usage is prohibited whether the white hair grows due to old age or any type of illness or abnormality. Therefore, Mufti Abdur Raheem Lajpuri (may Allah be pleased with him) states in an answer to the very same question you have posed that it is a great sin to dye the hair black. (Fataawa Rahimiyah vol.6 pg.290)
Scholars have, however, permitted the usage of black dye during times of Jihaad. An aged Muslim warrior is thus permitted to dye his hair black when going to the battlefront, so that he appears young and bold and is thereby able to instill awe and fear into the hearts of the enemies (Fataawa Mahmudiyya Vol. 5, Pg. 122)..
It is also permissible for one to dye his/hair black to beautify himself/herself for ones marriage partner if he/she is young, and the hair has turned grey due to some sickness, etc. (Jawahir al-Fiqh vol. 2, Pg. 421)
And Allaah Ta’aala knows best
Wassalaam,
Ismail Moosa (Mufti)