Got acrylic or gel nails? Quick: most jurists say artificial nails block water — and you can’t just use barrier wudu instead. Read the simple ruling
Nail extensions and their effect on wudu: this article examines the legal and jurisprudential conditions for performing barrier wudu (wudu jibīrah) after getting nail extensions.
Nail extensions are a popular beauty treatment in the fashion and nail-design world that let women and men present a neat, attractive appearance. However, many people wonder about their religious status after getting nail extensions — especially as regards wudu and ghusl. A common question is whether one can perform barrier wudu after getting nail extensions. In this article we address that issue and related questions.
Barrier wudu refers to an ablution performed when a barrier (such as a cast or bandage covering a wound) prevents one from performing the usual washing. In that case, the person must perform wudu according to special conditions. This type of wudu is usually permitted for people who have injuries or illnesses that prevent washing the obligatory parts.
Nail extensions — because they use synthetic materials such as acrylic, gel or other compounds — may be regarded as a barrier. The question to answer is whether artificial nails block water from reaching the natural nail and whether barrier wudu is acceptable after nail extensions.
Answer given: No — you cannot perform wudu with artificial nails on, and in particular you cannot perform barrier wudu. Nail extensions prevent water from reaching the nails and thus invalidate wudu. Barrier wudu is permitted only in specific, emergency circumstances, not as a routine practice. It should be noted that if a person can remove the artificial nail but does not do so and instead resorts to barrier wudu, that barrier wudu is invalid.
