🕌 Worship in the home · #44

Nail polish and henna — do they prevent valid wudu and the obligatory bath?

Nail polish that forms a layer stops water reaching the nail, so wudu and the obligatory bath are not valid until it is removed; henna only stains and does not block water, so it does not affect wudu.
Allah commands washing the limbs of wudu completely (al-Ma'idah 5:6), and the obligatory bath requires water to reach all the skin and hair. The same applies to other products that form a layer, such as false-eyelash glue, some waterproof make-up or false nails. Nail polish sold as "breathable" needs its claim checked; scholars and religious authorities are cautious about such claims. A menstruating woman may wear nail polish but must remove it before the obligatory bath. A bride wearing henna need not worry about the validity of her worship. See Wudu & the obligatory bath.

Sources

Surah al-Ma'idah 5:6Sahih al-Bukhari 248

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Related questions

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This answer is general reference, not a fatwa. For your situation, consult the religious affairs office, a Syarie lawyer or your state Syariah Court.

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