Mehndi Patterns

Some Ulema have given leeway and permissibility for women to apply Mehndhi patterns on the hands, with the proviso that it does not consist images of animate objects and does not resemble patterns which are symbols of disbelievers or immoral people. Another factor to bear in mind is that it should not be applied with the intention of displaying its beauty to Non-Mahrams.

Notwithstanding the above, our Darul-Ifta’s inclination and advice would be to avoid applying any forms of patterns and to suffice with plain application of Mehndhi. The reason being first of all, that Islam advocates simplicity in dressing, etc. Intricate designs and patterns when applying Mehndi would be against the grain of simplicity. Secondly, it would also be a time-consuming and an extravagant exercise as having such elaborate patterns done by experts in the field is a fairly costly exercise. Furthermore, although applying such patterns is no longer a peculiar trait of the Hindus, it does however, have its roots and origins in Hindu customs. These are some of the reasons why several pious elders and predecessors did not sanction the application of pattern-based Mehndi. 

In fact, it is related in one narration of Musannaf Ibne-Abi-Shaybah that Hadhrat Umar Radhiallahu Anhu forbade women from applying pattern-based Mehndi designs and also from applying it on the nails only (i.e. whilst excluding the palms). Hereunder follows the narration:-

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرٍ قَالَ: نَا وَكِيعٌ، عَنْ شُعْبَةَ، عَنْ يَزِيدَ بْنِ مَيْسَرَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي عَطِيَّةَ، عَنِ امْرَأَةٍ مِنْهُمْ قَالَ: سَمِعْتُ عُمَرَ يَنْهَى عَنِ النَّقْشِ، وَالتَّطَارِيفِ فِي الْخِضَابِ

(ج9 ص485 رقم 17967- مصنف ابن أبي شيبة – ما قالوا في النقش بالخضاب)

 Based on the above, we would advise abstention from applying Mehndi patterns.