Q:  I am in the habit of using hair gel to fashion and keep my hair straight ? Will wudhu be valid if masah of the head is made over the gel ?

A: If the gel is porous and allows water to pass through to the hair, the Masah will be valid. If it is not porous and prohibits water from reaching the required portion of the head then Masah will not be valid thus invalidating the wudhu and consequently one’s salah. The same law will apply to Ghusl.

Additional Comment :  It is important to note that using hair gel for styling the hair e.g. to spike and punk the hair etc. as is commonly practiced by those that follow a western identity and lifestyle Is impermissible. Making one’s identity similar to that of the disbelievers and transgressors is undesirable. A Muslim should inwardly and outwardly portray the true values and identity of Islam. The hairstyles that many youngsters adopt today leave much to be desired. It is unfortunate when the honour of following the Sunnah and the traditional Islamic ways have lost their value in our eyes then the blind slavery of following the ways and styles of others becomes desirable to us. Parents should endeavour to mould their children in an Islamic manner and counsel them towards a life of morality and piety. May Allah Ta’ala protect our youth.

Shafique A Jakhura (Mufti)                           M.D. Mangera (Mufti)
Fatwa Dept.                                                       Fatwa Dept.