Supreme Council for Fatwa Rules Dyeing Hair Black Permissible in Islam
Hair dye | Photo: Envato
The Maldives’ Supreme Council for Fatwa has decided that dying one’s hair black is allowed in Islam.
In a post shared on social media today, the council referred to a fatwa first issued on 18 February, stating that Maldivian Islamic scholars agree on the permissibility of using black hair dye.
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The council clarified that scholars hold two main views on the matter — one that considers it haram (prohibited) and another that deems it permissible. However, since this issue falls under ijtihad (independent reasoning), scholars base their conclusions on detailed study and context.
They noted that the matter is empirical in nature, meaning it depends on observable evidence and reasoning. As such, the council highlighted that Islamic rulings are shaped by the strongest scholarly interpretations, particularly those supporting permissibility.
Based on these findings, the council reaffirmed that dyeing hair black is allowed under Islamic teachings, which they believe has stronger support.
Established on 25 April 2016 under an amendment to the Protection of Religious Unity of the Maldivians Act, the Supreme Council for Fatwa serves as an independent advisory body under the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. Its mandate includes issuing religious fatwas, addressing contemporary fiqh matters, and offering guidance on theological differences to both the government and the public.
