Q: What
is the ruling on a woman having a side parting and putting her hair in a plait, with the sole intention of
making herself beautiful in the eyes of her husband or having a nice appearance?
A:
All praise is due to Allah Alone and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah, his family, and Companions.
Parting the hair on the side involves imitating the female Kafirs (disbelievers) and it is authentically reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) that imitation of Kafirs is Haram (prohibited). On the other hand, putting the hair in one or more plaits or letting it hang down the back, whether it is braided or not, is permissible as long as it is covered (i.e. in front of men other than woman’s husband and unmarriageable relatives).May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions!