Is It Haram to Pluck Your Eyebrows? 4 Grooming Practices That Are Permissible in Islam

Eyebrows can be a pretty big deal when it comes to grooming and self-care. They frame our faces, enhance our expressions, and even make us look more polished. 

But for Muslims, plucking eyebrows isn’t about style; it’s about religious observance. So is it haram to pluck your eyebrows?

Plucking eyebrows can be considered haram in Islam based on certain hadiths that prohibit altering Allah’s creation for beauty. However, some scholars allow it for specific reasons, emphasizing intention and moderation. 

Let’s dive into this topic and see what Islamic laws have to say about it, explore different scholars’ perspectives, and understand the nuances of grooming practices in Islam.

Is It Haram to Pluck Your Eyebrows?

In Islam, the concept of haram refers to actions that are forbidden, and the question of whether plucking eyebrows falls into this category is a bit nuanced. 

Some scholars argue that it is haram based on certain interpretations of Islamic teachings, while others provide exceptions.

What Islamic Texts Say

There is no direct mention of eyebrow plucking in the Quran, but there is a hadith that is often cited in this context:

Allah has cursed the woman who does tattoos and the one who has them done, the woman who plucks eyebrows (al-namisah) and the one who has it done (al-mutanammisah), and the one who files her teeth for the purpose of beauty, altering the creation of Allah.

Al-Bukhari, 5931

حَدَّثَنَا عُثْمَانُ، حَدَّثَنَا جَرِيرٌ، عَنْ مَنْصُورٍ، عَنْ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، عَنْ عَلْقَمَةَ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، لَعَنَ اللَّهُ الْوَاشِمَاتِ، وَالْمُسْتَوْشِمَاتِ، وَالْمُتَنَمِّصَاتِ وَالْمُتَفَلِّجَاتِ لِلْحُسْنِ، الْمُغَيِّرَاتِ خَلْقَ اللَّهِ تَعَالَى، مَالِي لاَ أَلْعَنُ مَنْ لَعَنَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَهْوَ فِي كِتَابِ اللَّهِ

Most linguists, jurists (fuqaha), and hadith experts (muhaddithun) agree that the term Al-Nimas refers to the plucking of facial hair. So, ‘Al-namisah’ describes women who pluck their own or others’ facial hair, while ‘Al-mutanammisah’ refers to women who have their facial hair plucked by someone else.

Some also interpret Al-Nimas as removing facial hair with a chisel. It’s often said that this specifically means plucking hairs from the eyebrows to make them thin or straight.

This has led to the view that altering the eyebrows falls under the prohibition of changing Allah’s creation for the sake of beauty.

Perspective of Islamic Scholars

Islamic scholars have varying interpretations when it comes to plucking eyebrows. 

Some take a strict stance, deeming any form of eyebrow plucking as haram based on the hadith mentioned above. They argue that altering one’s natural appearance for beauty is forbidden.

Others adopt a more lenient view, especially when it comes to removing stray hairs that cause discomfort or when plucking is done to avoid a “masculine” appearance in women.

These scholars emphasize intention and the extent of the grooming. For instance, if the intention is not to change Allah’s creation but to maintain cleanliness and a presentable appearance, it might be considered permissible.

When Is It Permissible to Pluck Your Eyebrows?

According to some scholars, there are specific circumstances where plucking your eyebrows might be permissible:

• Medical Reasons: If plucking is necessary for medical reasons, it is generally considered permissible.
• Marital Harmony: Some scholars allow eyebrow grooming if it is done to maintain marital harmony, especially if the spouse finds it more attractive.
• Moderation: Removing excess hair that causes discomfort or appears untidy, rather than reshaping the eyebrows entirely, might be acceptable.

The key is moderation and intention. Grooming that avoids excessive alteration of one’s natural appearance and is done for cleanliness rather than vanity is often seen in a more favorable light.

Why Is Grooming Facial Hair But Not Eyebrows Allowed in Islam?

You might wonder why trimming a beard or mustache is generally accepted while plucking eyebrows can be controversial. The difference lies in the purpose and extent of the grooming. 

Trimming the beard and mustache is seen as a means to maintain hygiene and follow the Sunnah (practices of the Prophet Muhammad). It is an act of cleanliness and religious adherence rather than altering one’s creation.

On the other hand, plucking eyebrows is often perceived as altering the natural shape for aesthetic purposes, which some interpret as an unnecessary change to Allah’s creation. 

However, this distinction is subject to different interpretations among scholars.

Grooming Practices That Are Permissible in Islam

Islamic teachings emphasize cleanliness and grooming, and several practices are encouraged:

• Trimming the Mustache and Beard: Keeping facial hair neat and tidy is a Sunnah and reflects personal hygiene.
• Clipping Nails: Regularly trimming nails is part of good hygiene and is encouraged.
• Removing Body Hair: Using methods to remove pubic and underarm hair for cleanliness.
• Using Miswak or Toothbrush: Keeping the teeth clean is highly recommended.

These practices are part of the broader Islamic principle of maintaining cleanliness and personal hygiene.

Conclusion

In summary, whether plucking your eyebrows is haram in Islam depends on various factors, including the intention behind it and the extent of the grooming. 

While some scholars strictly prohibit it based on specific hadiths, others allow for exceptions, especially when it comes to maintaining cleanliness and avoiding discomfort. 

As with many aspects of Islamic practice, seeking guidance from knowledgeable scholars and understanding the underlying principles of the faith can help in making informed decisions. 

So, next time you’re pondering about your grooming routine, keep these insights in mind and strive for balance and moderation.