I know that for a woman to apply henna to her palms and nails is recommended by the Prophet (saw), so as to differentiate between a male and a female hand. But my question is, is it also ok to apply the henna in the form of (non-animate) patterns and shapes, which is a common and popular practice nowadays, or should there be no design at all? Jazakallah.
Answer:
It is permissible for a woman to decorate her hands with henna. To decorate her hands and expose it in front of strange men will not be permissible.
and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai