Q. I am 16 and my body is like going crayzzeee on me. I had like this hair growing all over. Then it like started to grow on my lip area. Now I got like this hair on my sides. It is sooo embarrassing. Now before I ask my religious dad for like this expensive treatment, let me ask you: can I like take out this excess hair?

A. Not knowing if you are male or female, we are to keep our answer open to both genders.

To remove excess hair that functions as social deterrent and repulsion for those that are halaal for you is allowed in Islam. Certain conditions would apply to this hairy situation.

Men would be allowed to remove excess hair except for the beard. However, the beard can be trimmed upon certain length requirements being fulfilled. It would not be preferred for men to shave their legs and chest for it was not part of the sunnah of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam). If a man did so, however, a haraam verdict would not be issued upon him.

As for women, they can remove what is often termed as side burns, hair on upper as well as lower lip, arms, legs, etc. As for the eyebrow, one cannot pluck it in its entirety; just a little to eliminate any excessive bushiness is permissible. To pluck the eyebrow and make it thin like a pencil line would also not be allowed. One can remove just enough to get rid of the uni-brow look, and also take away any hair that is growing wild upon the eyebrow.

Other than what Islam has frowned upon or prohibited, men and woman can remove any hair that would be deemed as socially inappropriate, mainly to aid in a healthy relationship between that which Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) has made halaal.

You should also discuss this matter with your father and mother. Take this answer to them, and to a local scholar for clarification. Should they oppose what we have stated, please contact us with their proofs.

More about the beard…

Allah certainly knows best.