Are There Harms in Using Natural Substances for Skincare?
Shafi'i Fiqh
Answered by Shaykh Muhammad Carr
Question
I use honey, curd, yogurt, rice flour, and oats on my face. What is considered harm in using natural substances like these in skincare? For example, some face packs or other natural ingredients should be kept on the skin for 15 minutes. Keeping them on for over 15 minutes may cause dryness or other issues.
Would that be considered harm since there is a hadith about not harming ourselves? Please explain what the harm of using natural substances for skin care is.
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
May Allah reward you for seeking guidance on this essential aspect of your life. How fortunate are we that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) taught us everything, including personal hygiene!
Indeed, keeping on the face mask beyond the maximum time would be considered harmful. As you correctly point out, the hadith prevents us from causing harm to ourselves.
How is Harm Determined?
In skincare, a dermatologist assesses potential harm as an expert. Guided by the Quranic principle, “ So just ask those who know—if you know not—” expertise is sought for informed decisions.
Since the instructions prescribe a maximum of 15 to 20 minutes (or longer, depending on the face mask in question), a conscious Muslim should not exceed this limit as it could potentially harm him or her. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm.” [Imam Malik, al-Muwatta]
May Allah illuminate our faces in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah grace us with continued health and well-being.
I pray this is of benefit and Allah guides us all.
[Shaykh] Muhammad Carr
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Shaykh Muhammad Carr has dedicated his life to studying and transmitting our beautiful deen. His studies have taken him around the globe, where he has benefitted from many luminaries. Under the guidance of his teachers – Shaykh Taha Karan, Shaykh Yaseen Abbas, Shaykh Muadh Ali and many others – Shaykh Muhammad has grown to appreciate the beauty and benefits of diverse scholarship. He completed his memorization of the Qur’an at Dar al-Ulum Zakariyyah in September 1997 and received an Alimiyya Degree in 2006 from DUAI (Darul Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah). He is also affiliated with Masjid Auwal in Bo Kaap, Cape Town (the oldest mosque in South Africa), where he serves as a co-imam, and Dar Al-Safa, where he has taught since 2018. As a teacher, he imparts the wisdom of our heritage and tradition by opening the door for students. As an imam, he has the unique opportunity to serve his community in daily life.
In addition to his roles as a teacher and imam, Shaykh Muhammad Carr has contributed significantly to the administrative and advisory aspects of Islamic institutions. Since 2023, he has served as the Administrative Director at The Imam Kurani Institute, contributing to the institution’s growth and development. He continues to pursue traditional Islamic Sciences, possessing a keen interest in Islamic Contract Law and Finance. Shaykh Muhammad has been a Shari’ah Board Member for Islamic Asset Management & Insurance Companies since 2001, aligning financial practices with Islamic principles.
