Are Nose Rings and Nail Polish Permissible to Wear in Public?

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: Asalamu alaikum,

Are nose rings and nail polish permissible to wear in public?

The nose ring is quite common in my culture and within my family.

Also many times I’ll apply nail polish at home and then will need to go outside for some work…

Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

I pray that this message finds you well, insha’Allah.

The basis is that public beautification (zina) by women of themselves is impermissible.

Allah Most High says, “And tell believing women that they should lower their glances, guard their private parts, and not display their charms beyond what [it is acceptable] to reveal.” [24.31]

Therefore, the consideration in such matters is whether or not it would be considered a form of beautification, in your particular context (`urf), that will attract the undue attention of the opposite gender.

A discreet nose stud may be permitted, yet colourful nail polish may not.

Are There any Exceptions?

Obviously, in the privacy of your own home, with friends of the same gender, or in the presence of unmarriageable kin (mahrams), such matters are more expansive.

Similarly, such a general interdiction doesn’t negate the permissibility of dressing in a noble, respectable and dignified manner, yet at the same time, doing so in a way which doesn’t attract undue attention from the opposite gender.

Nevertheless, the basis is being rooted in modesty, as the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) informed us by his saying, “Modesty brings about only the good.” [Bukhari] and “Modesty: all of it is good.” [Muslim]

Please also see: What Kinds of Jewelry and Body Piercing Are Permissible for Men?

And Allah alone knows best.

wassalam,

Tabraze Azam

Checked & Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani.