11-07-2025
Halal cosmetics, a reflection of worship, not just appearance
MANY still mistakenly believe that halal only applies to food and drink, when in fact, it represents a far broader concept. In Islam, halal is a holistic way of life, touching on all aspects of daily lives, including the cosmetic products being used.
Addressing this widespread misconception, Management and Science University (MSU) Islamic Studies lecturer and Certified Halal trainer Mohd Herzali Muhammad Haled, emphasised that halal principles are not limited to what we consume.
Rather, he said they extend across numerous industries such as healthcare, finance, logistics, tourism and crucially, personal care and cosmetics.
'It's illogical and inaccurate to associate halal solely with food and drink,' he said in a recent interview at MSU in Shah Alam.
Why is halal certification important in cosmetics?
Herzali said the use of halal cosmetics is closely tied to the validity of acts of worship, especially prayer. As cosmetic products are often applied directly to the skin, they can affect the validity of ablution (wudu), which is a prerequisite for prayer.
'If a beauty product contains najis (impurities) or haram (forbidden) ingredients, it can invalidate our ablution and consequently, our prayers,' he added.
He referenced a well-known hadith of the Prophet Muhammad SAW;
'Allah does not accept the prayer of any one of you if he breaks his wudu, until he performs it again (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim),' he said. MSU Islamic Studies lecturer and Certified Halal trainer Mohd Herzali Muhammad Haled
In addition, Herzali emphasised that choosing halal products demonstrates one's obedience and devotion to Allah.
'When a person opts for halal, it reflects their sincerity in following what Allah has commanded. It shows a conscious commitment to faith,' he said, citing verse 168 of Surah Al-Baqarah, which calls on believers to consume only what is halal and pure (tayyib).
Halal and health, an Islamic perspective
Beyond religious obligations, Herzali also emphasised on the health implications of non-halal or unsafe cosmetic products.
He highlighted that preserving life is one of the primary objectives of Islamic law (Maqasid Syariah).
'Using harmful or non-halal cosmetics can cause serious damage, from skin conditions to hormonal imbalances and other health issues,' he said.
He said this is closely tied to syariah's focus on protecting health and well-being.
Beauty within syariah boundaries
While Islam acknowledges beauty as a natural part of human life, particularly for women, it sets clear boundaries for its expression.
'Beauty is a gift and a trust from Allah. It's not meant to be flaunted or used to attract the attention of those who are not lawful (non-mahram) to us,' Herzali added.
He pointed out that selecting halal cosmetics is not just a personal choice, but one that reflects a person's character, ethics and spiritual values.
'It's about how we manage our appearance with integrity and according to Islamic etiquette,' he said.
Beware of misleading labels
He also cautioned against being misled by vague marketing terms such as 'wudu-friendly' or 'Muslim-friendly', which may lack formal halal certification.
These terms, he said are not guaranteed as the products might still contain impure or non-halal ingredients despite such labels,' he said.
To avoid doubt (shubhah), he advised consumers to always check for official halal logos and verify ingredients through trusted authorities such as the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim).
'In Islam, avoiding doubtful matters is a principle. If there's uncertainty, it's best to leave it,' he added.
The natural desire to beautify, with limits
Herzali acknowledged that the desire to beautify oneself is especially common among women, and Islam does not prohibit it.
However, the religion does provide guidelines to ensure modesty and morality are upheld.
'An Arabic saying goes, 'A woman is like a mirror' – naturally sensitive and inclined towards self-care. But they must stay within the boundaries set by religion,' he said. Photo for illustration purposes only.
He warned against tabarruj, or excessive adornment, especially in public or in front of men who are not mahram (permissible to be seen without hijab).
Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 33, says that women should not to display their beauty as the women of the pre-Islamic era did, for the purpose of attracting men.
He also highlighted practices such as shaving eyebrows or undergoing cosmetic surgery solely for beauty as examples of altering Allah's creation without valid justification, something Islam strongly discourages.
He added that choosing halal products is not just about religious piety, it's about preserving one's worship, character and health.
'Halal and toyyib is more than a slogan. It's a reflection of the integrity of a servant of Allah,' he said.
Islamic guidelines on beautification
Beautifying oneself is a natural human tendency, especially for women. Islam allows adornment but places limits to prevent immorality or attracting unnecessary attention.
Avoid tabarruj, excessive beautification that draws the gaze of non-mahram men.
Surah Al-Ahzab (verse 33) warns against adornment that mimics the behaviours of pre-Islamic ignorance.
In the past, women wore jingling anklets and walked in a way to attract male attention, a practice discouraged in Islam. Altering one's physical features without valid reasons (e.g., excessive cosmetic surgery or shaving eyebrows) is not permissible.
Adornment is allowed, but it must be moderate and within Islamic boundaries to uphold dignity and modesty.
