Based on the provided reference, wearing mascara is not inherently haram (forbidden) in Islam, but its permissibility is conditional.
Understanding Mascara and Islamic Adornment
Mascara, like kohl, is considered a permissible form of adornment. The concern arises when it is used in a way that violates Islamic principles regarding modesty and interactions between men and women. Here's a breakdown:
Permissible Use of Mascara
- Permitted for Women in Private: A woman can wear mascara within her home, in the presence of her husband, or amongst other women.
- Permissible when Not in Front of Non-Mahram Men: It's allowed when a woman is not visible to non-mahram men. Non-mahram refers to men who are not close relatives she is not permitted to marry (such as her father, brothers, uncles, etc.).
Impermissible Use of Mascara
- Not Permitted in Public Where Non-Mahram Men Can See: Wearing mascara becomes problematic when a woman is in public or in places where non-mahram men can see her, as this can be seen as attracting unwanted attention and violating modesty principles.
Key Conditions
The permissibility of mascara hinges on these conditions:
- Modesty: The primary condition is that using mascara should not violate Islamic modesty principles.
- Visibility to Non-Mahram Men: Wearing mascara is not allowed in situations where a woman will be seen by non-mahram men.
Summary in Table Format
| Scenario | Permissible? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| At home, with husband | Yes | Adornment within the marital sphere is encouraged. |
| With other women | Yes | Permissible among women. |
| In public where non-mahram men are present | No | May attract attention and violate modesty principles. |
Example
A woman applying mascara before going to a party where only women are present is perfectly permissible. However, the same woman wearing the same makeup while going to the market where non-mahram men can see her would not be permissible.
Conclusion
The use of mascara is permitted as a form of adornment as long as it adheres to the Islamic principle of not being displayed in front of non-mahram men. It is considered a personal matter of adornment, similar to kohl, that becomes problematic when seen by those who are not permissible for a woman to reveal her beauty to.
