Halal is an Arabic word that translates to “permissible” in English. When we say or hear the terms “halal food” or “halal fashion,” all it means is what is practically allowed in Islam according to the Quran (holy book of Islam) and the Sunnah (the teachings of Prophet Muhammad PBUH.)

Beauty: Halal Edition

As mentioned earlier, halal beauty generally means what is permissible in embellishing oneself. There are various methods by which women enhance their appearance.

The Use of makeup

• It is not applied for non-mahram (men who it is not haram to marry) men.
• The materials used in making such cosmetics should not be harmful to the body or any other being, and the effect on the body should be temporary.

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Applying Henna

Sometimes we often get confused between what is traditionally related to culture and the teachings of Islam. Applying henna might just be one of them.

• Henna, or mehndi has been used in Islamic traditions. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) often used henna to dye his beard.
• The daughter of the Prophet (PBUH), Fatima (RA) would make drawings on parts of her hands and palms with henna.
• The first caliph, Abu Bakr (RA) applied henna to dye his hair red.

Skin care

Islamic teachings reveal that skin care and hygiene are integral to the religion, as indicated in the Quran:

Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves”

(2:222)

• Avoiding the sun is widely acknowledged as the best defense against ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Wearing suitable attire and limiting or reducing direct exposure during peak hours is also advised.
• Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) warned his people to stay out of the sun for extended periods. When the Prophet (PBUH) spoke, Abu Hazim arrived and sat in the sun. The Prophet (PBUH) told him to relocate, and he sat in the shade.

Elf Cosmetics has a lot of permissible skincare items.

Hair Care

Hair care is important not only for our appearance, but also for our overall hygiene which boosts confidence!

• Allah’s (SWT) Messenger (PBUH) routinely rubbed lotion on his head and groomed his beard, according to Anas ibn Malik. When he did, his robes, which resembled an oil dealer’s, covered his head. (Al-Tirmidhi, Al-Bayhaqi, and Abu Al-Shaykh mention this.) According to a different version of this Hadith, the Prophet (PBUH) regularly moistened his hair before combing it.

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Ya’ll better be grooming yourself!

• Muslims should remove the hair directly below the navel and under the arms and trim the nails once a week. Leaving hair and nails is permissible after 15 days and disliked after 40 days. The best day for removing unwanted hair and cutting nails is Friday.
• Removing or plucking the eyebrows implies changing the creation of Allah (SWT) as Allah (SWT) tells us that the Shaytaan said, “….and indeed I will order them to change the nature created by Allah” (4:119.)
• There is no sin on a woman if she removes hair on her upper lip, thighs, calves or arms. This is not part of the plucking that is forbidden.
• It is permissible to pluck the hair in-between the eyebrows as it is not a part of the eyebrows.

To Get Tatted or Not?

Abd-Allaah ibn Masood said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) say:

“Allah has cursed the woman who does tattoos and the one who has them done, the woman who plucks eyebrows and the one who has it done, and the one who files her teeth for the purpose of beauty, altering the creation of Allah” (Bukhaari, Muslim.)

Exercise and Dieting Are Definitely Halal!

Islam places a strong focus on a straightforward diet and regular exercise.

• Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised his people to work, be energetic, and start their day early, all of which are conditions for a healthy body.
• Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also stated to eat slowly as it takes about 20 minutes for your stomach to send signals to your brain that it is full.

This academic scholar goes into detail in their in-depth analysis regarding the habits of our Prophet (PBUH) that you may find interesting to read.

Halal food

Food is something I like to think about on the DAILY. As a foodie, it is best to know which foods are permissible in Islam and which are not.

All foods are regarded as halal, or lawful, according to Islamic law. The exceptions are: pork and its byproducts, animals that were slaughtered inhumanely or that were already dead, animals that were killed in the name of someone other than Allah (SWT), carnivorous animals, birds of prey, animals without external ears (such as some birds and reptiles), blood, alcohol, and foods tainted with any of these. All seafood is halal.

When talking about food, how can we forget drinks? Plenty of beverages are completely acceptable in Islam, such as fruit juices, coffee, sparkling water, tea, soy milk, milk from cows, goats, or camels. Obviously, alcohol is haram! Anything that intoxicates the body in such a way in which you are not in control, is impermissible.

Have you Heard of halal fashion?

Halal clothing is based on the Islamic principle that modest clothing demonstrates respect for both oneself and others.  This indicates that clothing should be loose-fitting and cover the entire body, including the arms, legs, and hair.  Halal fashion currently comprises a range of styles and patterns that appeal to varied interests and preferences. Traditionally, Islamic clothing has consisted of long, flowing garments like the abaya or hijab.

The only three passages in the Qur’an that specifically address women’s attire (24:31, 24:60, and 33:59) solely mention the necessity of covering the groin and, ideally, the breasts. Men should cover their groin region, according to a passage that specifically mentions it (24:30.) Two further verses in the same cluster (24:58–59) speak to both men and women in relation to clothes, advising neither to be unclothed in their own houses in the presence of domestic workers and family members. It is acceptable for women to allow their clothing to dangle below their ankles.

Save this link as your guide to knowing what is halal!