Question Summary:
Is it permissible for a woman to adorn herself for her husband using the Hindu dot on the forehead?

Question Detail:

Is it permissible for a woman to adorn herself for her husband using the Hindu dot on the forehead?

Answer :

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
The dot on the forehead signifies the religious beliefs of the Hindus.[1] As Muslims, we are sensitive to our faith (aqeedah) and values. We do not compromise in our aqeedah and do not show complacency to anything contrary to our aqeedah. We are different from the Hindus in our aqeedah and in our values.
A Muslim using anything which signifies the beliefs of other religion demonstrates respect (ta’zeem) for that religion, and in view of the polytheist’s practices, it also exemplifies complacency with Shirk thus compromising with ones tawheed. The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam has said:
مَنْ تَشَبَّهَ بِقَوْمٍ فَهُوَ مِنْهُمْ
“Whosoever emulates a nation is from amongst them.” [2]
It is therefore impermissible for a Muslim to use the dot on the forehead.[3]
You may adorn yourself for your husband using other methods which are permissible in Shariah.
 
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Abdul Hannan Nizami,
Student Darul Iftaa
Chicago, USA
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.