Nail polish's effect on wudu (ablution) depends on whether it prevents water from reaching the skin.
The Concise Answer: If nail polish creates a barrier preventing water from touching the skin, it breaks wudu. Otherwise, it does not.
Understanding Wudu and Its Requirements
Wudu is a ritual cleansing performed by Muslims before prayer. It involves washing specific parts of the body, ensuring water reaches the skin. Any substance preventing this contact invalidates the wudu.
Nail Polish and the Water Barrier
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Impermeable Nail Polish: Many nail polishes form a waterproof layer, preventing water absorption. This obstructs the necessary contact between water and skin, rendering wudu invalid. According to numerous Islamic sources, including IslamQA.info and AboutIslam.net, this is the crucial factor. The reference states: "If there is any barrier such as grease, paint, wax or glue that prevents water reaching the skin, then Wudu is not valid and prayers offered in that case are…"
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Permeable Nail Polish (or absence of polish): If the nail polish (or any other coating) is porous and allows water to reach the skin, wudu remains valid. This is analogous to henna or dyes, as mentioned in one reference.
Practical Implications
- Before Prayer: Before performing wudu, remove any nail polish that prevents water from contacting the skin. This ensures the validity of your wudu and subsequent prayers.
- Types of Nail Polish: Be mindful of the type of nail polish used. Some "water-permeable" nail polishes are marketed as wudu-friendly, but their effectiveness should be personally verified.
Conclusion
The validity of wudu with nail polish hinges on whether it creates a barrier preventing water from reaching the skin. Removal is necessary only when a water-resistant layer exists.
