Eyelash extensions

Al Salam Alikum,

I had a questions regarding eyelash extensions, and whether it is permissible. I believe the way it works is by  glueing fake lashes to thicken and lengthen existing ones, it lasts for a few weeks.

 بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

الجواب حامدا ومصليا ومسلما

Beautification is not only permissible in Islam but encouraged provided it is done within moderation. Consider the following hadith:

 ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ood (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and give him peace) has said, “Indeed Allah is beautiful and He loves beauty.” (Muslim)

However, Islam discourages and censures deception, arrogance, and obsessive behaviour. Subsequently there are some practices which Islam has forbidden. Among those practices is the attachment or use of human hair. This is called ‘wasl‘ in Arabic and has been cursed by the Messenger (may Allah bless him and give him peace) (Bukhari). 

Another aspect which must also be considered here is why and for whom this is being done. If this is done to beautify oneself for ones husband and family, and not to attract the opposite sex unlawfully, for deceiving a potential suitor, or to make other women feel inferior etc., then it will be permissible with the condition that it is not made of human hair or impure substances. Otherwise the prohibition will be compounded. Furthermore, the extensions must be removed for wudhu if water does not touch the lashes.

In light of this it would be better to avoid such methods of beautification as it seems to be problematic and goes beyond moderation which is a hallmark of Islam.

Note: The hadith tells of a natural method of lengthening and strengthening the eyelashes. The Prophet (may Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Use the ithmid antimony (kuhl/surma) for it clears the sight and lengthens the hair (lashes).” (Tirmidhi, Ahmad).

والله اعلم

Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala knows best.

Mufti Abdulmannan Mulla 

Approved by Mufti Husain Ahmad Madani