Question Summary:
Wudhu with ‘Halaal’ nail polish

Question Detail:

 
What is the ruling on “halal” water permeable nail polishes? They have begun to be used more commonly, with the idea that they are okay to use as wudhu would be valid with water permeable nail polish (as opposed to wudhu not being valid with regular nail polish since water does not pass over the nail). Various tests have been performed online by consumers showing differing levels of permeability between brands.
Some brands of this water permeable nail polish are:
(1) Sally Hansen Smooth and Perfect
(2) Tuesday in Love Water Permeable Nail Polish
(3) Inglot O2M Breathable Nail Enamel
(4) Nails Inc H2GO Wash Off Nail Polish
Would wudhu be valid with any of these nail polishes, although the nails are still covered?
JazakAllahu Khairan for your time!

Answer :

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
The Jamiatul Ulama KZN has stated the following regarding Inglot O2M Breathable Nail Enamel:
“The results turned out to be negative and it was concluded that the nail polish is not water permeable and it prevents water from reaching the surface of the nail. Hence, this particular type of nail polish that is being marketed as Halaal nail polish is not acceptable for Wudhu.” [1]
We are unable to comment on the other three nail polishes being water permeable or not.
We advise not using the nail polishes; water is a prerequisite for the validity of Salaah. It would be a very great risk to use the nail polishes under an assumption that it is water permeable. ^[2]
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Maaz Chati
Student Darul Iftaa
Blackburn, England, UK
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.