Is Microblading Haram or Halal in Islam?

Islam teaches us that Allah loves cleanliness, grooming, and maintaining the natural beauty He has bestowed upon us.

As Muslims, we are encouraged to take care of our appearance, present ourselves well, and be mindful of personal hygiene.

However, Islam also emphasizes the importance of preserving the natural features that Allah has created. Altering the body to change one’s appearance permanently or semi-permanently can conflict with these principles.

When it comes to practices like microblading and plucking eyebrows, questions arise regarding their permissibility.

In this article, we will explore whether microblading is haram (forbidden) in Islam, and we’ll delve into the broader topic of grooming eyebrows while staying within the boundaries of Islamic teachings.

Is Microblading Haram in Islam?

To determine whether microblading is haram or halal, it’s important to first understand what microblading entails. According to MedicalNewsToday, microblading is a cosmetic procedure that involves tattooing the eyebrows using a tool with fine needles.

The process creates small incisions in the skin where pigment is deposited, giving the eyebrows a fuller, defined appearance. Although microblading is semi-permanent and typically lasts between 18 months to two years, it involves a method akin to tattooing.

Islamic scholars generally regard microblading as haram because it alters the natural appearance through the insertion of pigment into the skin.

This practice is viewed as similar to tattooing, which is explicitly prohibited in Islam. As such, scholars like Sheikh Assim Al Hakeem have clearly stated that microblading is haram, equating it to changing Allah’s creation.

Many Muslim women may undergo microblading without first seeking knowledge about its permissibility.

However, it is crucial to consult Islamic scholars and adhere to the guidance of the Quran and Hadith when making decisions about personal grooming.

Why is Microblading Considered Haram?

The prohibition of microblading stems from the Islamic principle of not altering the natural features that Allah has created. Allah warns against such changes in Surah An-Nisa, where He mentions that Satan will lead people to tamper with Allah’s creation:

“And I will mislead them, and I will arouse in them sinful desires, and I will command them, and they will slit the ears of cattle, and I will command them, and they will change Allah’s creation. Whoever takes Satan as an ally instead of Allah has certainly sustained a clear loss.” (Quran 4:119)

This verse highlights that altering Allah’s creation, whether through cosmetic enhancements like tattoos or microblading, goes against the natural order that Allah has established.

Microblading, though temporary, falls into the category of changing one’s appearance in a way that defies the fitrah (natural state), which is why it is considered haram.

Is Eyebrow Microblading Haram?

Eyebrow microblading specifically targets the eyebrows, a defining feature of the face. In Islam, modesty and preserving natural beauty are key values.

In Surah An-Nur, Allah instructs believing women to maintain their modesty and not display their adornments:

“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof…” (Quran 24:31)

While grooming and cleanliness are encouraged, practices that change the inherent beauty of one’s face—such as eyebrow microblading—are seen as going beyond mere grooming.

Since microblading involves semi-permanent tattooing, which alters the appearance, it is classified as haram by the majority of scholars.

Is Microblading Considered a Tattoo in Islam?

Although microblading is not permanent like traditional tattoos, it is still considered a form of tattooing because it involves inserting pigment into the skin. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) explicitly cursed those who engage in tattooing. As reported in a Hadith by Ibn Umar:

“Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said: ‘Allah has cursed such women who practice tattooing and those who get themselves tattooed…'” (Sahih Bukhari, Book 77, Hadith 152)

This Hadith applies to any form of tattooing, whether permanent or temporary. Despite the fact that microblading fades over time, it still alters the skin and is viewed as a type of tattoo, making it haram in Islam.

Plucking Eyebrows in Islam: Haram or Halal?

In addition to microblading, another common question is whether plucking or shaping eyebrows is permissible.

Scholars have divided hair removal into categories, with eyebrow plucking falling under the category of practices that are forbidden (haram).

The Prophet (PBUH) spoke clearly on the subject, condemning the act of plucking or shaving the eyebrows, as it involves altering one’s natural features.

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

“Allah has cursed those women who practice tattooing and those who get themselves tattooed, and those who remove their face hairs, and those who create a space between their teeth artificially to look beautiful, and such women as change the features created by Allah.” (Source: Sahih Bukhari, Book 77, Hadith 146)

This Hadith serves as a clear warning against changing the natural appearance. Plucking eyebrows is considered a violation of the body’s natural state, which is why it is regarded as haram.

What About Shaping and Trimming Eyebrows?

While plucking and microblading eyebrows are generally considered haram, the issue of trimming or shaping eyebrows is a matter of debate among scholars.

Some scholars argue that light trimming or shaping is permissible, particularly in cases where a person’s eyebrows are unusually thick or bushy, as long as it does not significantly alter the natural appearance.

They emphasize that this kind of grooming is about maintaining tidiness rather than changing one’s features.

Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a prominent Islamic scholar, has noted that shaping eyebrows is controversial.

Some scholars believe it is forbidden, while others consider light trimming permissible as long as it does not defame or significantly alter the face.

In this context, the act of grooming is seen as enhancing the natural beauty Allah has provided, which is permitted, but the line must be carefully drawn to avoid excessive alteration.

Is Waxing Your Eyebrows Haram?

Since plucking the eyebrows is haram, using wax to remove eyebrow hair would also fall under the same ruling.

The medium of hair removal—whether waxing, plucking, or shaving—does not change the ruling. The key issue is the act of removing or altering the eyebrow hair, which scholars have ruled as haram.

However, waxing the hair between the eyebrows, often referred to as the unibrow, is considered permissible.

Since the unibrow is not part of the eyebrow, scholars allow its removal for the sake of cleanliness and appearance.

Conclusion: How to Groom Your Eyebrows in a Halal Way

Islam encourages grooming and personal hygiene but prohibits altering the natural features Allah has given us.

Microblading, plucking, or any form of hair removal that changes the shape or appearance of the eyebrows is considered haram according to the majority of scholars.

That said, there are permissible ways to groom and shape your eyebrows without falling into haram practices.

Light trimming or shaping, particularly for those with bushy eyebrows, may be allowed by some scholars, but it is always best to seek knowledge and guidance.

Remember that beauty in Islam is not about following the latest trends or altering our bodies but about maintaining what Allah has given us with care and gratitude.

For more information, consult scholars and reliable Islamic resources to ensure that your grooming practices align with Islamic principles.