Wudu and Nail Polish

Women generally colour their nails with some material or the other. In current times, various types of nail polishes are used for this purpose. The question which arises as a result is about the method of doing wudu in such cases. Generally, three answers have been given to this question:

Firstly, wudu cannot be done if a lady has put on nail polish, and therefore it must be removed every time before doing wudu.

Secondly, even after putting on nail polish, the status of a lady’s hands do not change, and therefore wudu would be valid if done in this situation; there is no need to remove the nail polish.

Thirdly, such a situation should be considered analogous to wiping of socks (mash). So if nail polish has been put on after doing wudu, there is no need to remove it; wudu can be done on it. However, if it has been put on without doing wudu, then it must be removed and then wudu should be done.

I prefer the third of these views. It is the view which takes caution into consideration and also does not burden a lady. It is also closer to the objective of self-purification. It is therefore recommended that women adopt this method for coming into the presence of their Lord.

(Translated by Dr Shehzad Saleem)

______________