Inspiration and Spirituality

Beauty Tips from Imam Ibn Taymiyyah

Published

March 15, 2012

Millions of pounds are spent every year by people on beauty products throughout the world with the hope to enhance their beauty or erase some of the unwanted features the may have on their face and other parts of the body. The pressure to spend on beauty products in this age is higher than ever. Traditionally it was the women folks who spend hours looking for that ‘right’ life changing beauty product (but in reality none of them really does the job), however, now, the idea of the “metrosexual” male has gained global approval, with the majority of consumers worldwide agreeing that it is acceptable for men to spend time and money to enhance their appearance. Around 78% of consumers worldwide agree that it is “ok” for men to spend time and money on their appearance. This is quite visible even in the East end of London.

Although purchasing beauty products is allowed, as Muslims we are taught that beauty comes from within, literally! Our scholars have mentioned in their writings that when a person commits a sin against Allah and that person is persistent and adamant upon sin his/her face darkens. The opposite is also true, when a person observes the Taqwa of Allah and perseveres in Allah’s path his/her face is illuminated with the light of iman (faith). So although the Maybelline may try and make people believe that they are pretty etc while they commit sins, in reality, those who are upon the truth and observe the Taqwa of Allah their face is radiant with the light of iman. It is only the believers who appreciate and discern this light.

See below a comment by Shaykh Ibn Taymiyyah on this issue. He رحمه الله may not be giving direct beauty tips to people, especially our young brothers and sisters, however, I believe this is the best and most healthy beauty advice one can give.

Keep supporting MuslimMatters for the sake of Allah

Alhamdulillah, we're at over 850 supporters. Help us get to 900 supporters this month. All it takes is a small gift from a reader like you to keep us going, for just $2 / month.

The Prophet (SAW) has taught us the best of deeds are those that done consistently, even if they are small. Click here to support MuslimMatters with a monthly donation of $2 per month. Set it and collect blessings from Allah (swt) for the khayr you're supporting without thinking about it.

Imam Ibn Taymiyyah رحمه الله wrote:

“The person who is righteous and honest, his honesty is manifest from the radiance on his face, and his honesty can be known from the glow that is on his face, likewise the (opposite for the) sinful one and the liar. The older a person gets, the more this sign becomes apparent. Thus a person as a child would have a bright face, however if he becomes a sinful person, adamant on committing sins, at the older stages in his life, an ugly face would manifest that which he used to internalize, and the opposite is also true.

It has been narrated that Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه said,

`Indeed righteousness illuminates the heart, radiates the face, strengthens the body, increases provision, and produces a love in the hearts of the creation for that person. Whereas sinfulness darkens the heart, greys the face, weakens the body, and produces hatred in the hearts of the creation for that person.’

It is possible that a person may not intentionally lie; he may even be a person who makes great effort in ibadah (worship) and has zuhd (abstains from pleasures of this life that are lawful). However he has false, incorrect `aqidah regarding either Allaah, His deen or His Messenger ﷺ or His righteous servants. And what is on the inside affects what is on the outside. Thus, this false, incorrect `aqidah (belief and incorrect practices) that he thought was true and correct reflects on his face, and his face would be dark in accordance with the level of falsehood he possesses.

As it has been narrated that `Uthman ibn Affan رضي الله عنه said,

`No one ever hides evil within themselves except that Allah makes it manifest from his facial outlook and the statements his tongues utters.’

Hence some of the salaf used to say,

`If a person of innovation were to dye his beard every day, the dye of innovation would remain on his face.’

On the Day of Judgment this would be very clear as Allah says,

“And on the Day of Resurrection you will see those who lied against Allah their faces will be black. Is there not in Hell an abode for the arrogant ones?” (Surah Zumar, 39:60)

He also said:

“On the Day when some faces will become white and some faces will become black; as for those whose faces will become dark (to them will be said): “Did you reject Faith after accepting it? Then taste the torment for rejecting Faith.” (Surah ‘Ali Imran, 3:106)

Ibn Abbas and others have said regarding this verse,

`The bright faces will be ahlus-sunnah, and dark faces will be the people of bid’ah and division.’`Al-Jawab As-Sahih’ (Vol.4, pg. 306-307)

So you want to get that look or develop those biceps and triceps? Try and visit the Taqwa shop more often than the Body Shop!

0 Shares

Keep supporting MuslimMatters for the sake of Allah

Alhamdulillah, we're at over 850 supporters. Help us get to 900 supporters this month. All it takes is a small gift from a reader like you to keep us going, for just $2 / month.

Up Next

Allah’s Plan for You and Me

Don't Miss

We Repent Temporarily, but Allah Always Forgives

Sh. Abdullah Hasan

Sh. Abdullah Hasan holds an Imam Diploma, BA, and Ijaza Aliyah in Islamic Studies from a European seminary. Disciplines include fiqh, usul al-fiqh, Ifta, and other traditional subjects. He also has a diploma in Arabic from Zarqa Private University and studied at the college of fiqh wa usuluhu at the same university, receiving private training from renowned Scholars in Jordan and the Middle East. With a background in counselling and psychology, he has provided therapy for individuals, couples, and families for over a decade. He holds certificates and diplomas in person-centred psychotherapy, marriage and youth counselling, and SFBT psychotherapy. Sh. A. Hasan is currently pursuing a doctorate in applied psychology after completing a Master's degree in the same field, and also Masters Programme in Medical Psychology. His expertise also extends to Zakat and Islamic philanthropic studies. Having served as an Imam in various UK Muslim communities, Sh. A. Hasan is deeply committed to community and people development. He brings over 10 years of experience in management, leadership, and training within the third sector. Currently, he serves as a teacher of Islamic psychology and counselling, a Consultant Counselling Psychologist at Gift Foundation. Additionally, he provides Chaplaincy counselling from multiple mosques in London, UK. Sh. A. Hasan is the founder of significant initiatives such as Imams Against Domestic Abuse (IADA), the British Imams, Scholars Contributions and Achievements (BISCA Awards), and the British Institutes, Mosques, and Associations (BIMA Awards). He is a member of The Association of Islamic Mental-Health Specialists (AIMS) and actively contributes to numerous other community organisations and projects, nationally and globally.

17 Comments

Pingback: Beauty Tips from Imam Ibn Taymiyyah « Every Moment Is Another Chance
Shuaib Mansoori

March 15, 2012 at 12:47 PM

Masha Allah beautiful reminder! I was putting together materials for my Khutbah on Righteousness, only thing remaining were athaar from our Salaf. May Allah reward you for presenting some of them here. JazakAllah Khair!

Reply
Strandedmom

March 15, 2012 at 1:16 PM

Please stop using the “faces will be black” translation, when so many times so many Shuyukh have said to stop using that. It is darkened, not black. I know the word is “Muswadda” but that is not the implied meaning and it gives the wrong impression to the lay person. (I am referring to 39:60) Jazak Allah Khayr for an otherwise wonderful article.

Reply
- Strandedmom
  
  March 15, 2012 at 1:19 PM
  
  or is it literally faces will be black? Sorry, please corrrect me because it comes up a lot and I want to be correct when someone brings it up again. Thank you!
  
  Reply
- Sabour
  
  March 15, 2012 at 8:00 PM
  
  You make a good point, since black and white carry racial connotations in the English language translations like “gloomy/overcast/darkened/obsidian” and “radiating/illuminated” may be more suitable – but a deeper insight into the ‘Arabic words are required.
  
  Reply
Yasmin

March 15, 2012 at 2:58 PM

Jazakallah khair for this very interesting and important post!

Reply
Amatullah

March 15, 2012 at 8:06 PM

JazakAllaah Khayr!!!

Reply
Halima

March 16, 2012 at 3:36 AM

I like how it’s labeled “beauty tips”. Had me thinking it would involve some tpye of honey or fruit face creams lol. But I guess this is the real beauty. You can look good on the outside regardless but if you don’t got deen it doesn’t count for nothing.

Reply
penbaihat

March 19, 2012 at 1:31 PM

I love u … I love u… I love u. May Allah Bless someone who is spreading Islam in this lovely way. Wa shallahu ala muhammad wa ala alihi wa shahbihi wa sallam

Reply
AditHerry Emawan

April 3, 2012 at 12:16 AM

Thank you for this article. This is simple way but many muslims forgot to apply what Ibn Taimiyah said, include myself.

Reply
alma

April 3, 2012 at 10:02 AM

Assalamualaikum, can I know from which book & chapter is the Ibn Taymiyah’s quote from?

Reply
Shah Wahid

May 8, 2012 at 4:42 PM

So white is beautiful, black is ugly and all Sunnis will go to jannah. I would expect more sensitivity and depth from MM.

Reply
burqa barbie

May 13, 2012 at 10:52 PM

“Around 78% of consumers worldwide agree that it is “ok” for men to spend time and money on their appearance”

Noooooooo!!!!!!!Men should look fugly and repellent!

So in other words sensationalism over something men have been doing since the cave days….literally. As someone interested in men I would hate to see some collage of quasimoto meets zoomba pants running around. Aesthetic cultivation demonstrates culture and discernment. Aesthetic culivation and spiritual cultivation are not at odds with each other. The dowdiest men is not necessarily the most pious nor the most spiritual. The idea that the plainer looking you are = most spiritual is very superficial and is ironically fixated exclusively on the external.

Reply
SabrunJameel

May 15, 2012 at 10:15 PM

Beautiful, Jazakallahu khair!

Reply
Fatima

August 13, 2012 at 9:22 PM

This was absolutely beautiful Masha’Allah! Especially with all of the pressures young girls and boys are facing from society today. True beauty really does come from within, great article! :)

Reply
Kabir muhd

December 24, 2013 at 5:09 PM

Insha Alla, I will put everything Good to achieve such brighter heart and face, in this World & here after. Jazakumullahu bi khair.

Reply
Mohammad Khan

September 9, 2016 at 12:47 PM

Maa Shaa Allah! A very important and wonderful point to remember!

Reply