Women Lightening their EyeBrows – The Permanent Committee

Fatwa no. 21778

Q: The habit of lightening eyebrows has recently spread among women; they lighten the hairs below and above the eyebrow, so that it resembles Nams (removing hair from the face/eyebrows). This habit is an imitation of Western countries. The lightening substance is also medically harmful. What is the ruling of Shari`ah (Islamic law) on this deed? Please advise. May Allah reward you! It is worth mentioning that most women request a written Fatwa (legal opinion issued by a qualified Muslim scholar), and refuse to abide by verbal ones. May Allah make us benefit from it and preserve the religion of this Ummah (nation based on one creed). Indeed, He is the One able to do so.

Answer: It is not permissible to lighten above and below the eyebrows in the way that was mentioned, as it entails changing Allah’s creation and resembles Nams which is prohibited, being in the same sense. It is even more prohibited if it entails imitation of non-Muslims, or if it is harmful to the body or hair. This is because Allah (Exalted be He) says: …and do not throw yourselves into destruction The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: “There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm.”

May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.

The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’
Member : Salih Al-Fawzan - Member: `Abdullah ibn Ghudayyan  - Chairman : `Abdul-`Aziz Al Al-Shaykh