Issue No.204 – September 2022 : Safar 1444
Beauty is the feature of objects that are pleasurable to perceive. As these terms are both subjective and objective, beauty therefore is judged by different standards which are influenced by various factors such as culture, religion, fashion trends and cosmetic industry giants dictating and promoting what is deemed “attractive” each season.
Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. Everyone perceives it differently with varying styles that emerge and then trend in different parts of the world. What we may find attractive or appealing may be perceived completely opposite elsewhere. With globalisation, niche trends can also take on a universal appeal.
The enhancement and beautification of the human form by various means is an inherent human trait, an essential part of our genetic makeup and an expression of our psyche. The quest for youth and perfect looks is old as time itself. Times have changed, but the motivation and the desire to always remain youthful and attractive remains. We have always, wrongfully or rightfully, found confidence in our external image and appearance. This has contributed to the explosive growth of the global cosmetics market of which Halaal cosmetics market share is expected to reach 52 billion USD by 2025.
1,8 billion Muslims account for 24 percent of the 7,8 billion inhabitants of the planet. For them, Halaal is not just another trend, but a way of life which makes the consumption of Halaal, which includes externally applied beauty products, mandatory. They are guided by the precept that Islam is a religion of beauty, with the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the perfect Exemplar. In Islam, what you put on your skin is as important as what you eat.
Beauty was indeed manifested in the Prophetic pattern of life, in his example of modesty, decency, fidelity, reliability, integrity, constancy, honesty and conduct. Beautiful indeed is his example. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us that true beauty is all encompassing. He demonstrated practically that true beauty is spiritual beauty within us which manifests itself physically in our outer selves. Beauty is more than skin deep as has been encapsulated by the Prophetic narration of “No one who has an atom’s weight of pride in his heart will enter Paradise.” A man asked, “What if a person likes his clothes to look good and his shoes to look good?” The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied, “Allah is beautiful and He loves beauty. Pride means denying the truth and looking down on people.” (Muslim)
There are however many beauty products which may contain ingredients derived from potentially Haraam sources such as collagen, stearic acid, mono, di and tri-glycerides, carminic acid, glycerine, enzymes, lipids and amino acids etc. SANHA has been helping the Ummah for the past 25 years in being beautiful whilst yet dutiful to Allah Ta’ala by offering guidelines on Halaal cosmetics and beauty products. SANHA receives a steady stream of queries pertaining to the Halaal status of skincare, cosmetics and beauty products.
Feel free to contact our Helpline for any assistance required.
Email: helpline@sanha.org.za
Call: 0861 786 111
Look good, feel good and be good. Our Helpline is at your service in your duty to beautify the Halaal way!
