The answer to this question depends on the specific school of thought within Islam.
Different Interpretations
- Hanafi School: This school of thought generally permits women to pray with painted nails, as long as the nail polish is not thick enough to prevent water from reaching the nails during ablution (wudu).
- Shafi'i, Maliki, and Hanbali Schools: These schools tend to be more strict and advise against praying with nail polish, regardless of its thickness, as they believe it prevents water from reaching the nails during ablution.
Practical Considerations
- Transparency: Some scholars suggest that using transparent nail polish might be acceptable, as it does not prevent water from reaching the nails.
- Removal before Prayer: A common practice is to remove nail polish before performing prayer, ensuring that the nails are clean and free of any barrier to ablution.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to pray with painted nails is a personal one, based on individual interpretation and consultation with a religious scholar.
