Is Wearing Decorated Clothing for Nikah Permissible?

Answered by Shaykh Muhammad Carr

Question 

Is it permissible to wear decorated clothing for one’s nikah? The dress would be loose-fitting and would cover the awrah. I have always loved sparkly things, embroidery, and rhinestones, and I am quite skilled at using them to decorate fabric.

I thought it would be really special to incorporate these into my nikah dress and khimar. What types of decorations would be permissible, or should I avoid decorating them altogether?

Also, is it permissible to wear makeup on the day of the nikah?

Answer

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

What wonderful news! May Allah place love, compassion, and understanding between you and your spouse. May He unite the two of you in love and harmony, as He united the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) with his wives.

You may incorporate embroidery and rhinestones into your nikah dress and scarf. It is permissible to wear decorated clothing for one’s nikah, provided that the decorations do not contravene the precepts of the shari’a.

Wearing makeup for your nikah is also permissible. You should, however, avoid appearing before non-mahram men while wearing decorated clothing or makeup.

Decorated Clothing

It is permissible to wear decorated clothing for one’s nikah. Indeed, it is encouraged for a wife to adorn herself for her husband. The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was asked, “Which women are the best?” He replied, “The one who makes him happy when he looks at her.” [Musnad Ahmad]

The decoration should, however, be moderate. Anything that exceeds its proper limits may produce the opposite of the intended effect. [See al-Khatib, Mughni al-Muhtaj]

The key element of a Muslim’s clothing is modesty. Allah Most High told us, “Children of Adam, We have given you garments to cover your nakedness and as adornment for you; the garment of God-consciousness is the best of all garments- this is one of God’s signs, so that people may take heed.” [Quran, 7:26]

Public Display

Decoration and makeup should not be intended to attract the opposite gender and should not be displayed publicly. Displaying such adornment in the presence of non-mahram men is impermissible.

Allah says, “And remain fast in your homes and make not public display of your beauty as was done in the bygone age of pagan ignorance.” [Quran, 33:33]

May Allah make this new chapter a source of tranquillity, joy, and baraka. This is achieved by following the commands of Allah as shown to us by the Prophet (May Allah bless him and grant him peace).

I pray this is of benefit and that Allah guides us all.

[Shaykh] Muhammad Carr
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Muhammad Carr has dedicated his life to studying and transmitting our beautiful deen. His studies have taken him around the globe, where he has benefitted from many luminaries. Under the guidance of his teachers – Shaykh Taha Karan, Shaykh Yaseen Abbas, Shaykh Muadh Ali and many others – Shaykh Muhammad has grown to appreciate the beauty and benefits of diverse scholarship. He completed his memorization of the Qur’an at Dar al-Ulum Zakariyyah in September 1997 and received an Alimiyya Degree in 2006 from DUAI (Darul Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah). He is also affiliated with Masjid Auwal in Bo Kaap, Cape Town (the oldest mosque in South Africa), where he serves as a co-imam, and Dar Al-Safa, where he has taught since 2018. As a teacher, he imparts the wisdom of our heritage and tradition by opening the door for students. As an imam, he has the unique opportunity to serve his community in daily life.

In addition to his roles as a teacher and imam, Shaykh Muhammad Carr has contributed significantly to the administrative and advisory aspects of Islamic institutions. Since 2023, he has served as the Administrative Director at The Imam Kurani Institute, contributing to the institution’s growth and development. He continues to pursue traditional Islamic Sciences, possessing a keen interest in Islamic Contract Law and Finance. Shaykh Muhammad has been a Shari’ah Board Member for Islamic Asset Management & Insurance Companies since 2001, aligning financial practices with Islamic principles.