The prohibition of dyeing hair black in Islam, while not universally agreed upon, stems primarily from specific hadiths (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him).
Hadiths on Dyeing Hair Black
The most common basis for this view is the hadith where the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Change it with something but avoid black.” This narration, attributed to Ibn 'Abbas, is often cited as a direct prohibition against using black dye. Another hadith warns against dyeing hair black to resemble the breasts of pigeons in the end times, stating that such individuals will not even smell the fragrance of Paradise.
Interpretations and Context
It's important to understand the context surrounding these narrations. Scholars have offered varying interpretations:
- Emphasis on Avoiding Deception: Some scholars interpret the prohibition as being related to deception. Dyeing hair black, especially when one is older, might be seen as an attempt to appear younger than one is, potentially for deceptive purposes (e.g., in marriage proposals).
- Permissibility with Conditions: Other scholars consider dyeing hair black permissible under certain conditions, such as for medicinal reasons or to please one's spouse, arguing that the prohibition is not absolute. Some interpret the "avoid black" hadith as advice rather than a strict prohibition.
- Difference of Opinion: There is a significant difference of opinion among scholars regarding the permissibility of black hair dye. Some consider it makruh tahrimi (highly disliked), while others consider it permissible.
- Disagreement on Authenticity/Interpretation: Some scholars debate the authenticity or interpretation of the specific hadiths that prohibit black hair dye.
Summary
In essence, the view that dyeing hair black is haram in Islam is based on specific hadiths that are interpreted by some scholars as a prohibition. However, there is not a unanimous consensus on this issue, with many scholars holding differing opinions based on their interpretation of the texts and consideration of the context. Some allow it under certain circumstances, while others discourage it due to concerns about deception or vanity.
