There is some debate within the Muslim community about whether nose piercings are allowed in Islam. Some Muslims believe that nose piercings are prohibited, while others argue that they are permissible. In this article, we will examine what Islamic texts and scholars say about nose piercings in an attempt to answer the question of whether Muslims can pierce their nose.
What Does The Quran Say?
The Quran does not directly address the issue of nose piercings or any other type of body piercing. However, some argue that certain verses suggest body modification or changing God’s creation is discouraged. For example:
“So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth. [Adhere to] the fitrah of Allah upon which He has created [all] people. No change should there be in the creation of Allah. That is the correct religion, but most of the people do not know.” (Quran 30:30)
This verse indicates that humans should adhere to fitrah, which is the natural state in which Allah created them. Some scholars interpret this to mean any kind of body modification, like tattoos or piercings, goes against fitrah and should be avoided. Others contest this interpretation, arguing the verse is not meant to be taken literally but rather as a metaphor for staying true to innate human nature.
What Does The Hadith Say?
The Hadith (recorded sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad) provide clearer guidance on the permissibility of piercings. There are several hadiths that mention nose piercings specifically:
“Narrated Abu Hurayrah: The Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) cursed the woman who does tattoos and the one who has them done, and those who pluck eyebrows and those who file teeth for the purpose of beauty, and those who change the creation of Allah.” (Bukhari 5931)
This hadith seems to clearly prohibit tattoos and other permanent body modifications that alter Allah’s creation. Plucking eyebrows is specifically mentioned, but the inclusion of “those who change the creation of Allah” implies a broader prohibition on body modifications.
However, another hadith contrasts temporary piercings with prohibited tattoos:
“Narrated ‘Abdullah: Allah has cursed those women who practice tattooing and those who get themselves tattooed, and those who remove their face hairs, and those who create a space between their teeth artificially to look beautiful, and such women as change the features created by Allah. Why then should I not curse those whom the Prophet has cursed? And that is in Allah’s Book. i.e. His Saying: ‘And what the Apostle gives you take it and what he forbids you abstain (from it).’ (59.7) (Bukhari 5932)
This suggests that impermanent modifications like nose studs may be acceptable, unlike permanent tattoos. The way they can be easily removed means they do not necessarily “change Allah’s creation.”
Opinions of Islamic Scholars
Given the lack of decisive textual prohibition, Islamic scholars past and present have diverging perspectives on piercings:
Scholars who prohibit nose piercings
- Altering the body is haram based on the hadith cursing women who change Allah’s creation
- Piercings can lead to infection or disease and should be avoided
- Nose studs may be worn out of vanity and desire to look attractive, which is discouraged
- Piercings can interfere with wudu (ablution before prayer)
Scholars who permit nose piercings
- They are not permanent like tattoos, so do not necessarily change Allah’s creation
- If done in a safe and hygienic manner, they do not lead to harm
- A small stud worn by women is acceptable as an ornament
- The metal does not prevent effective ablution
Contemporary scholars like Yusuf al-Qaradawi and Shaykh Yaser Birjas argue piercings are permissible as long as they are not done in order to look attractive to non-mahram men. There are also cultural factors, as nose studs are traditional in some Muslim communities.
Preferences of Muslim Communities
Views on nose piercing vary significantly across Muslim cultures:
- Very common in South Asian communities
- Traditional among Berber and Tuareg women in North Africa
- Less common among Arabs, especially conservative Gulf countries
- Extremely rare in Southeast Asian Muslim communities
So cultural norms and customs play a major role in how acceptable nose piercings are perceived to be in different Islamic communities.
Scholarly Arguments Against Nose Piercings
Let’s explore in more depth some of the scholarly arguments against nose piercings:
Altering Allah’s Creation
One of the strongest arguments is that piercings contravene the hadith prohibiting changes to Allah’s creation. By piercing the nose, which God created naturally without holes, humans are changing Allah’s intended design. This permanently alters the face and body, which certain scholars argue is equivalent to prohibited tattoos.
Health Risks
Inserting metal jewelry creates an open wound in the nose tissue that takes weeks or months to fully heal. This carries risks of infection, abscesses, and disease transmission if equipment is not properly sterilized. While modern piercing studios have high hygiene standards, some scholars encourage avoiding this health risk completely.
Vanity and Beautification
Studs and rings draw attention to the face, which some scholars find problematic. Drawing attention to female adornment can encourage temptation and immorality. Scholars argue Muslims should avoid beautifying the body with piercings and focus on inner spirituality.
Wudu and Prayer Issues
Nose piercings can get in the way of performing ritual ablution before prayer. There is disagreement on whether wudu water adequately reaches pierced skin and nostrils. Removing the jewelry each time is cumbersome, so avoidance is simpler.
Arguments For Permissibility of Nose Piercings
On the other hand, scholars who allow nose piercings counter with the following points:
Not Permanent
Unlike tattoos and other prohibited alterations, nose studs can be painlessly removed at any time. The small piercing hole will close up on its own. So they do not permanently change Allah’s creation of the human body.
Cultural Traditions
In some Muslim cultures, nose studs are a longstanding tradition for women. Prohibiting this would deprive Muslims of innocent cultural customs that faith can accommodate. Scholars point out even Hajar, wife of Prophet Ibrahim, wore a nose ring according to the Quran.
Done in a Safe and Hygienic Manner
Modern piercing methods are very safe if proper sterilization and hygiene guidelines are followed. Unlike early Muslims who may have used unsanitary methods, today’s piercings do not lead to affliction and disease.
A Woman’s Prerogative
Within modest guidelines, scholars allow women discretion in how they adorn themselves. As long as a nose stud is not flaunted in a sensuous manner, it is up to a woman’s personal judgment whether she chooses to wear one.
Conclusion
There are good faith arguments on both sides of whether nose piercings are permissible in Islam. Ultimately, the practice rests in a somewhat grey area not directly addressed in the Quran or unambiguously prohibited in hadiths. Muslim women and men should educate themselves on scholarly opinions so they can make an informed decision based on their community traditions, personal convictions, and health considerations. As long as one avoids vanity and altering Allah’s creation permanently, a simple nose stud seems to fall within the flexibility and reasonableness of Islamic law for many scholars and believers.