Can Muslim men wear kohl?
Yes, Muslim men can wear kohl. Applying kohl (also called surma or kajal) to the eyes is a recognised sunnah for men and women, and the Prophet ﷺ himself used it. The key is to use it as an eye-care habit, not as a dramatic makeup look meant to copy women.
Kohl in the Sunnah
The Prophet ﷺ praised a type of kohl called ithmid (antimony stone). He said that among the best kinds of kohl is ithmid, because it clears the vision and makes the eyelashes grow (Sunan Abi Dawud 3878). Scholars also report that he would apply it to each eye, often at night before sleeping. Because of this, kohl has been worn by men across the Muslim world for centuries, from Arabia to South Asia and West Africa.
Sunnah vs. fashion
Most scholars treat kohl for men as a recommended (mustahabb) or at least permitted act, as long as it stays in its traditional form: a thin line along the inner rim of the eye. Islam doesn't ban looking good. The Quran asks:
Where scholars draw a line is when a man wears heavy, winged or coloured eyeliner as clearly feminine makeup. Imitating the opposite sex in dress and adornment is forbidden, so a man should keep kohl simple and natural-looking. Some scholars also say it's better for a man to avoid kohl in places where it would only draw attention or seem odd, since the goal is a sunnah, not a statement.
Safety first
- Check the ingredients. Some traditional surma sold in Europe and the USA has been found to contain lead. Buy from brands that clearly state they are lead-free and safe for eyes.
- Hygiene. Clean the applicator stick, and don't share it with others.
- Health issues. If you have an eye condition, follow your doctor's advice before using any eye product.
Kohl and wudu
Kohl doesn't break your wudu, and because it sits on the eyelid rim rather than forming a waterproof layer over the skin, it doesn't stop water reaching the face. Wearing kohl is part of the wider set of grooming habits Islam encourages, like trimming the moustache and keeping clean. See What is fitrah hygiene in Islam?
If you're also wondering about other grooming choices, like hair length or colour, see Can Muslim men have long hair? and Can I dye my hair?
- Kohl is a sunnah for men, not just for women.
- The Prophet ﷺ praised ithmid for clearing the vision.
- Keep it simple; avoid heavy feminine eyeliner styles.
- Use lead-free products made for the eyes.
People also ask
Can I wipe over my shoes in wudu?
Usually not over ordinary shoes. Most scholars allow wiping only over footwear covering the ankles, like khuffs or boots, put on after wudu.
Read the full answer →Can Muslim men trim their nose and ear hair?
Yes, Muslim men can trim nose and ear hair. It fits Islam's fitrah grooming; trimming is safer than plucking and it doesn't break wudu.
Read the full answer →Can Muslim men get a hair transplant?
Yes, most scholars say Muslim men can get a hair transplant, since moving your own hair restores a loss rather than changing Allah's creation.
Read the full answer →Do I have to move my ring during wudu?
Only if it's tight. Water must reach the skin under a ring in wudu. Loose rings, wedding bands, watches and bracelets explained simply.
Read the full answer →Can I make wudu with a wig on?
It depends: remove a clip-in wig and wipe your own hair. For glued hair systems, many scholars allow wiping over them, especially for hair loss.
Read the full answer →