Hair dye okay... but avoid black: Grand Mufti

Published Monday, April 29, 2013

By Mohammed al Sadafy

Hair dye for the purpose of concealing grey hair is permissible except coloring with black, according to Dr. Ali Ahmed Mashael, the Grand Mufti at Dubai Fatwa section of Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Department.

Dr Ali Mashael was responding to a question from a man asking about the ruling on coloring hair with black dye to hide grey hair.

He added that there are still differences over use of black dye between scholars. Majority forbid coloring hair with black dye, while it is permitted by the Hanbali Mathahab, followers of Imam Ahmed Ibn Hanbal.

The Grand Mufti said that the differences between scholars over the coloring of hair with black dye stems from a ‘hadith’ of the Prophet [peace be upon him]. When Abu Kohafa, the father Abu Bakr, was brought to meet Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) his hair was completely white. Prophet Mohammed asked to change the color of Abu Kohafa’s hair with any other color except the black one.

Dr Ali Mashael added that from this incident the majority of scholars took the word of Prophet Mohammed as a ruling to avoid coloring hair with black dye.

The Hanbali say this ruling applied only to Abu Kohafa because he was an old man and weak and black color did not suit him, particularly at his age.

Dr Ali Mashael said that we must be prudent and get out of the dispute to avoid falling to forbidden things. According to one of the imams we have to be away from disputes, and we should avoid coloring hair with black. This applies to both men and women, married or single.

The Grand Mufti added that graying gives dignity no matter how we try to hide the features of aging.

[Image via Shutterstock]

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