For the past weeks, we have been observing Clothing from the Perspective of Islam, now the topic is about hair dyeing.
The Companion Abu Bakr Siddiq (RaliAllahu Anhu) himself applied black dye, meaning a dye made from henna mixed with another substance. Some brothers asked a question about how the color changes when mixing colors. When you mix colors, a transformation occurs. For example, if you mix yellow with another color, it will not remain purely yellow or purely purple, but a third color will emerge. Similarly, when these substances are mixed in equal proportion, it results in a black color. If left for a longer time, the black color becomes darker.
For example, when you mix red and yellow in henna, it becomes green. Try mixing blue and yellow—you will see changes in color. Likewise, this mixture produces a light black initially, and depending on how long it remains, it becomes darker. If mixed in different proportions, the color varies accordingly.
Furthermore, Hasan (RaliAllahu Anhu), the grandson of the Messengerﷺ of Allahﷻ, is reported in some narrations to have used black dye. It is also reported that he used dye made from mixing henna leaves and indigo leaves. From these two types of narrations, we understand that using black dye is not prohibited. People misunderstand this issue. That is one matter.
The next issue concerns hair color. Some people, especially those from European countries, naturally have light or white hair, not black hair. The Messengerﷺ of Allahﷻ encouraged changing white hair. But if someone is born with naturally light-colored hair, then changing it is not obligatory.
The instruction was mainly directed toward those whose hair turns white due to aging. Changing white hair is permissible so that people do not appear excessively aged or unusual compared to others. This permission exists.
Now, regarding the moustache: in society, some people completely shave their moustache, leaving nothing above the lip. They do this thinking it is Sunnah. Some believe that the moustache must be completely shaved, and they consider that as strict adherence to Islam.
But the hadiths about moustaches do not use the word “shave completely.” Instead, they use the word “trim.” The hadith mentions trimming the moustache with scissors. It does not say to shave it completely with a blade.
The Messengerﷺ of Allahﷻ said trimming the moustache is part of the natural Sunnah (fitrah). This was part of the tradition of Prophetﷺ Ibrahim. Although the people of Makkah had lost many practices of Ibrahim, some natural practices remained, such as trimming the moustache, cutting nails, removing armpit hair, and removing pubic hair.
The word used is “trim,” not “shave completely.” Another hadith says trim it properly, meaning shorten it well, not remove it entirely. From these narrations, we understand that the Prophetﷺ never instructed complete shaving of the moustache. Rather, he instructed trimming it to a reasonable length.
If complete shaving were required, the Prophetﷺ would have clearly said so. There is also a hadith specifying a time limit: trimming the moustache, cutting nails, removing armpit hair, and removing pubic hair should not be delayed beyond 40 days.
This does not mean you must wait 40 days. It means you must not exceed 40 days. You may trim earlier—even every 10 days or every week—but do not exceed 40 days. If complete shaving were required, the Prophetﷺ would not have allowed a 40-day period, because shaving completely would require frequent maintenance.
The fact that 40 days is allowed shows that complete shaving is not mandatory. There is also a narration from a companion who came to the Prophetﷺ with a large moustache covering his lips. The Prophetﷺ used a miswak (tooth-stick) as a reference and trimmed the moustache so that it did not cover the lips.
This shows the correct standard: the moustache should not cover the lips, but it should not be completely removed either. If complete shaving were required, the Prophetﷺ would have shaved it completely, but he did not.
Therefore, keeping a moustache is not wrong. Imam Malik also had a large moustache. When someone asked him why he kept it, he said that when Umar (may Allahﷻ be pleased with him) became angry, he would twist his moustache. This shows keeping a moustache was common practice.
Imam Malik even said that shaving the moustache completely disfigures a man’s appearance and that such people should be disciplined—not because it is haram, but because it goes against dignity.
However, this is the opinion of scholars, not direct hadith. Now, regarding armpit hair: both men and women must remove it. The Prophetﷺ set a maximum limit of 40 days. It can be removed daily if desired but must not exceed 40 days.
The same applies to pubic hair. Now, regarding nails: some people grow their nails very long, even beyond half an inch. Some women even attach artificial nails.
But Islam instructs cutting nails regularly and not exceeding 40 days. There are also myths about cutting nails in a specific order or sequence. There is no authentic hadith specifying any particular sequence. You can cut nails in any order.
Some people say nails should not be cut while in a state requiring ritual bath (ghusl). This is not based on authentic hadith. The obligation of ghusl applies only to prayer, not to cutting nails, eating, sleeping, or other activities.
You may cut nails before or after ghusl. There is no prohibition. Similarly, there is no requirement to bury cut nails or hair. These are waste materials and can be disposed of normally.
There are no strict religious rules requiring burial of nails or hair. All such claims without authentic evidence should not be treated as religious obligations. The only clear guideline is maintaining cleanliness and not exceeding the 40-day limit.