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Fatwa CenterSelling perfumes and cosmetics to women in a non-Muslim country
Question
What is the Islamic ruling on selling cosmetics and perfumes to non-Muslim women in a foreign country?
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.
The ruling on selling cosmetics and perfumes depends on the purpose for which they are used. If a woman uses such things to expose her beauty and adornment in an impermissible manner, then it is unlawful to sell her such things; otherwise, it is lawful. If one does not know what she intends to do with it, he should consider what is prevalent in the place where she lives. If impermissible exposure of women's beauty and adornments is common, the prohibition applies; otherwise, it is permissible.
There is an Islamic principle that states that the means acquire the same ruling as the ends and that what leads to a forbidden thing is also forbidden. Based on this, the scholars stated that it is prohibited to sell grapes to someone who uses them to make wine because it involves aiding him in doing what Allaah has forbidden. Allaah says (what means): {And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.} [Quran 5: 2]
Accordingly, it is inconceivable that non-Muslim women in foreign countries will not use such things for the impermissible exposure of beauty and adornment. Therefore, it is prohibited to sell to them what helps them to do so.
Allaah Knows best.
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