LUCKNOW, Dec 11: India’s Darul Uloom Deoband has issued an edict against dyeing hair black.

In response to a question by some believers, the seminary said colouring hair black was not in accordance with Sharia, though one could apply a colour like henna.

According to the seminary, Sharia prohibits use of such dyes that leave a layer on the hair as it obstructs water from reaching the roots of hair during ablution and makes it invalid.

Answering the question if one could offer prayers (namaz) after applying colour on hair, the clerics said use of colour other than black was allowed provided it did not contain impure things and did not leave such layer on the hair that prevents water from reaching its roots.

“Otherwise wuzu (ablution) shall not be valid and when wuzu is not right then namaz shall also not be valid,” they said. To a question about use of ammonia-free dyes, the seminary issued the fatwa that “if the hair get black with the use of that dye, then it shall not be lawful to apply it, but if the hair get red-like colour of henna then it is permissible”.

By arrangement with Times of India