Islamic rules of getting a facial done

Assalamalaikum wa Rahmatullah wa barakutuhu,

Is getting a facial permissible in Islam?  In facial, the face is massaged with some creams (facial creams), then steam is given and then bleaching is performed, which makes the face beautiful.  Some women take pride in that they have gotten such and such a facial performed.  Please throw light in the issue also.

Walaikum As Salaam Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakutuhu,

As per what you have said in a facial some creams are applied, the face is massaged, steam is given and bleaching is performed, which makes the face beautiful.  In the same way, to make the skin beautiful fairness creams are used.  This method of makeup is permissible provided the creams used are not harmful in any way to the skin.

As makeup for women is permissible and commendable (Mustahab) in light of the Shariah, if the husband expresses a desire, removing the hair of the face is also permissible.  As given in Radd Ul Muhtaar, Kitab Ul Khatr Wal Ibaha, Fasl Fin Nazri Wal Mass.

Makeup and beautifying oneself is permissible when it is not for the sake of pride, showing off, etc.  Women should not use perfume and leave the house and should not intend to break any rule of the Shariah.  If the woman, reveals herself to non-Mahram people with the makeup or any of the above-mentioned are found, then it will not remain permissible.

This allowance for makeup is only permissible and allowed and it is not obligatory or compulsory. Being occupied with makeup all the time and wasting time in this is not correct.  This is only external beautification.  Muslim women should make efforts for the permanent beautification of their inner selves.  The Ummahatul Momineen (The mothers of the believers) and the ladies of that time did not concern themselves with external beauty.  They were more concerned about the purification of their hearts, their thoughts and about the beautification of their inner selves and they advised others to do the same.  Hadhrat Umar Farooq (May Allah be well pleased with him) said in his sermon:

Translation:  Beautify yourselves for the big summons, when you will be presented and nothing of yours that is hidden will remain hidden.  (Kanz Ul Ummal, Hadith No. 44203)

And Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) knows best.

Mufti Syed Ziauddin Naqshbandi Qadri

[Professor, Islamic Law, Jamia Nizamia,
Founder-Director Abul Hasanaat Islamic Research Center]