The Ruling on Dyeing White Hair Black

Question:
Another questioner says: I noticed in one of the bookstores a book titled *Al-Iyadhah fi Jawaz Taghyir al-Shayb bi al-Sawad* (Clarification of the Permissibility of Changing White Hair to Black), authored by Abu Bakr ibn Isma'il ibn Muhammad, with an introduction by Shaykh Isma'il ibn Muhammad al-Ansari, a member of the Ifta' and Scientific Committees. The author states in a summary of some of its chapters: First, that dyeing hair black is established from many of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), including some of the Rightly Guided Caliphs. Second, that no one among the Companions or the great Tabi'un is reported to have objected to those who dyed their hair black. Third, that the hadiths regarding the command to dye hair in general, and specifically black, and the athar regarding changing white hair to black, are authentic and established. Fourth, that the hadith of Abu Quhafah is to be understood in specific circumstances, as it was reported regarding a specific incident, and specific incidents do not have a general application. This is on the assumption that his statement, "Keep them away from black," is not an insertion from the words of Ibn Jurayj into the words of the Prophet. The well-known fatwa states that it is not permissible to change white hair to black, but rather with henna and katam. What is your Eminence's opinion on this?

Answer:
This is an error. It should be looked into, if Allah wills. I have not read the book, but it should be looked into, if Allah wills. This is an error. The authentic evidence indicates that it is not permissible to dye white hair black, ever. However, there is no harm in using henna and katam. As for pure black, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Keep them away from black," as reported in Sahih Muslim and others. This is what we know, and it is the correct position in terms of evidence. As for the book that mentioned this, we will review it, if Allah wills.