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Can You Make Wudu with Breathable Nail Polish?

27 December, 2024
Q As-Salamu alaykum. I am aware that it is prohibited in Islam to wear nail polish since while doing wudu, the water molecules aren't able to reach your nails. There is a new nail polish that recently came out called breathable nail polish, it supposedly allows the molecules to flow through. If this is true, is it allowed in Islam to wear breathable nail polish? If not, why?

Answer

Sheikh Ahmad Kutty
27 December, 2024

Wa `alaykum As-Salamu waRahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. 

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

In this fatwa:

Breathable nail polish offers a potential solution for Muslim women who wish to maintain their manicures without compromising their religious practices. Its permeability claims are supported by lab tests, which indicate it allows water to reach the nails. However, it is essential to verify these claims and consult knowledgeable religious authorities for clarity. When in doubt, always prioritize adhering to Islamic guidelines for wudu and ghusl.

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Answering your question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a Senior Lecturer and an Islamic Scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states:

If the nail polish acts like a barrier preventing water contacting the nails, then it ought to be removed before ablution. However, if the nail polish does not interfere with it, then it is fine. Here is what I found on the site of those who promote such nail polish; they have this posted on their site:

“Our nail polishes are popular with Muslim women who can now enjoy their manicures and pedicures knowing they are using a wudu (a pre-prayer ablution which requires them to wash their hands and feet) friendly nail polish. Our formula uses a special polymer which enables oxygen and moisture to be transported through the nail polish. Its permeability allows moisture and oxygen to make contact with the fingernails after you have applied nail polish. All our breathable lacquers fulfill tests for water permeability performed in a controlled laboratory environment. The normal nail polishes prevent oxygen and moisture from getting in contact with their nails. For this reason, we consider our nail polishes to be a healthier option for your nails.”

If this can be verified, then it can be worn without any issue. There is no need to remove it prior to performing ghusl or wudu.

Find further explanation through these resources:

Allah Almighty knows best.