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Can I Pray with Nail Polish On?

27-12-2002

Question 20728

Is it allowed in Islam to say one’s prayers with nail polish on?

Summary of answer:

You can pray with nail polish unless the nail polish contains a substance that prevents water from reaching what is beneath it.

Answer

Praise be to Allah.

It is permissible for a woman to colour her nails for the purpose of adornment, with materials that do not cause harm. And there is nothing wrong with her praying with that , unless it is a substance that prevents water from reaching what is beneath it, in which case wudu and ghusl are not valid unless it is removed. If the wudu is not valid, then the prayer is not valid. 

It says in Fatawa al-Lajnah al-Daimah, 5/218: 

“If the colour is impermeable, then wudu is not valid unless it is removed before doing wudu . If it is not impermeable, then wudu is valid, as is the case with henna.” 

And Allah knows best.

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