Oriental culture is often accompanied by the tradition of henna. But do we really know the place of henna for men in the Muslim religion? Is it reserved for women only?
Or can men also use it? And in what particular cases? And what does the Sunnah of our noble Prophet have to say on the subject? These are the questions we'd like to address. Let's take a closer look at the case of male henna as enjoined by the Muslim religion.
What is henna?
To begin with, of course, we need to define what henna is. It's a plant-based colorant obtained from the dried leaves of a fragrant plant called Lawsonia inermis, belonging to the Lythraceae family. Not to go too far, this plant is native to South Asia and North Africa.
In fact, henna has been used for thousands of years. In particular, it has been used to dye hair and paint the body. Henna is also part of the prophetic tradition. Indeed, the Prophet himself applied it to specific areas. This is what we'll see below.
Male henna in the prophetic tradition
We know that the Prophet used henna in certain specific cases. And the texts are clear. The Prophet ﷺ used to dye his hair with it. We'll bring you proof of this right after.
Henna for men's hair
Indeed, several haadiths report this. Notably, Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reports that The Prophet, said, "The Jews and Christians do not dye (their gray hair), you must do the opposite of what they do (in other words dye your gray hair and beards)." Reported by Bukhari.
Similarly, 'Ubaid Ibn Juraij reported: " […] And concerning dyeing with henna, without a doubt I saw the Prophet of Allah dye his hair with it and that's why I like to dye (my hair with) [...] " Reported by Mouslim .
Finally, Abu Dharr may Allah be pleased with him, reports that the Prophet said, " The best things with which hair is changed are henna and katam. " Reported by Abu Dawud. So it's clear and limpid. To dye a man's hair and beard, no problem!
There's also nothing wrong with using henna for self-care. As the Prophet himself used to do.
For self-care
The Sunnah authorizes the use of henna for self-care. This authentic hadith from Ahmed, Abu Daoud, Ibn Maja and Tirmidhi bears witness to this. And, incidentally, rendered hassan by Sheikh al Albani. "The Prophet was never afflicted with a wound or thorn without putting henna on the affected spot".
Similarly, Abu Daoud and Al Bukhari report: "No complainant to the Envoy of Allah of the pain of his head had any answer but: Apply cupping, and no complainant to him of the pain of his feet without telling him: be dyed with henna".
So the case of henna for men, which will remain formally forbidden, is that of adornment, reserved exclusively for women.
Prohibition of henna for men's adornment
To conclude on this subject, it's worth noting that the use of henna for male adornment is categorically forbidden! Indeed, the believer must never identify himself with women. Neither in the application of henna to beautify oneself, nor in any other act. Not even in the traditional sense.
For we have been taught that it is forbidden for men to identify with women. Indeed, the Prophet said: "Cursed are the men who seek to resemble women, and the women who seek to resemble men".