Making Masah on the tape applied over Mehndi

Nasihah (Advice): Wudhu washes away sins

Sayyiduna Abu Huraira radiyallahu anhu reported that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “When a Muslim washes his face in Wudhu, every sin that he committed with his eyes will be washed away with the last drop of water. When he washes his hands, every sin that he committed with his hands will be washed away with the last drop of water. When he washes his feet, every sin that he committed with his feet will be washed away with the last drop of water, until he emerges purified from sin.” [Sahih Muslim]

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Question and Answer:

1. When a female applies mehndi (henna), a tape is sometimes placed on the mehndi so that it properly sets and dries. Can she make Masah on the tape and read her salaah?

1. A. In general, it is permissible to make masah over plasters, bandages or casts that are used for medical purposes if removing them would cause hardship or delay healing. However, the case of tape used for mehndi (henna) application is different, as it is not a medical necessity.

The primary ruling is that water must directly touch the skin and nails during wudhu for it to be valid. The tape used for mehndi is a temporary, non-essential covering that can be easily removed.

Therefore, it is not permissible to make masah over tape used for mehndi application. The skin and nails must be washed for Wudhu. [Hindiyyah 1:35]

A woman must schedule her Mendhi application at a time when it will not interfere with her Salaah.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Mufti Moosa Salie

Mufti Taahir Hansa

(The answer hereby given is specifically based on the question asked and should be read together with the question asked. Islamic rulings on this Q&A newsletter are answered in accordance to the Hanafi Fiqh unless otherwise stated.) 

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