Is It Permissible to Copy Henna Designs and Serve Immodest Clients?

Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Question

Is it permissible to use other artists’ henna designs for personal or commercial use, and is my income still halal if clients—Muslim or non-Muslim—end up showing their henna-covered arms to non-mahrams at public events?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

You may create henna designs inspired by others or mimic popular patterns, but you should avoid directly copying another artist’s unique work without their permission. This kind of imitation can be seen as unethical and goes against the Islamic principle of respecting others’ creativity. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said,

“Whoever deceives us is not of us.” [Muslim]

Please consult this related answer.

That said, if you’re drawing from general or widely used patterns in henna art, or if you’re simply taking inspiration and adding your touch, this is generally acceptable. Developing your signature style is always recommended—it helps build your reputation and keeps your work both ethical and authentic.

Regarding Income When Clients Display Henna to Non-Mahrams

Suppose someone wears your henna and later chooses to expose it in front of non-mahrams—whether at weddings, parties, or elsewhere, that’s not something you’re held accountable for, if:

• You didn’t design the henna to encourage immodesty
• You weren’t aware at the time that the client planned to use it for such a purpose

According to Sacred Law, each person will be held accountable for their own actions. As Allah (Most High) reminds us:

“No soul shall bear the burden of another.” [Quran, 6:164]

So, if your work was lawful and done in good faith, your income remains halal.

If a client clearly states upfront that they’ll be using the henna for an unlawful purpose, it would be unlawful to proceed with the service. In such cases, you should avoid the transaction as part of upholding your responsibility. As Allah (Most High) commands:

“Cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and transgression.” [Quran, 5:2]

And Allah knows best.

[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.

He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.

Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town. He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.