Friday Sermon Warns Against Beauty Practices That Violate Religious Boundaries

The Friday sermon delivered yesterday at the Islamic Centre has cautioned against engaging in certain modern grooming practices deemed inconsistent with Islamic teachings, particularly those involving exposure of private areas in commercial beauty settings.

The preacher highlighted procedures such as waxing and laser hair removal at salons, stating that exposing one’s body to “unauthorised strangers” for non-essential cosmetic purposes is not permissible under Islamic law. Such actions, the sermon emphasised, are only allowed in cases of “absolute necessity”, including essential medical treatment.

The address framed the issue within a broader discussion on the concept of purity in Islam, stressing that physical cleanliness must not come at the expense of religious principles. Worshippers were reminded that outward grooming alone does not constitute true purity without corresponding spiritual integrity.

“Beautifying the exterior while neglecting the heart is like decorating a palace while its interior remains in ruin,” the imam said, urging believers to guard against inner flaws such as envy, doubt, and polytheism.

The sermon also reiterated the importance of maintaining practices associated with fitrah, or natural human disposition, as taught in Islamic tradition. These include circumcision, removal of pubic and underarm hair, trimming of nails, and maintaining facial hair in accordance with prophetic guidance.

Neglecting these practices, the imaam said, can lead to hygiene issues and is considered inconsistent with the expected character of a Muslim.