Science Marches On
Saaima Moola-Haffejee has applied to the authority to recognise Acquarella nail polish, which she imports from the US, as South Africa's first halaal nail polish.
Since then she has developed a loyal customer base around the country.
Before halaal nail polish - which has been in the international fashion market for years - Muslim women could not paint their nails because it would prevent water from seeping onto their nails before an ablution prayer that is performed five times a day.
"The halaal nail polish is water-based, non-toxic and has no chemicals. It allows water to get through to touch the nails therefore your prayer can be completed properly," said Moola-Haffejee.
"In the past if a Muslim woman used nail polish, she had to remove it before she prayed and then could repaint afterwards. Imagine using acetone [nail-polish remover] on nails five times a day."
Moola-Haffejee believes sales have taken off because Muslim women want to beautify themselves without compromising their religious beliefs.
"I say: 'be modest, be smart and be fashionable and respect your prayer as well'."
The Muslim Judicial Council of SA said that though the product might allow women to pray with painted nails, it contradicted Islamic beliefs on modesty.
"We frown upon bold shades. Colours such as green and blue are not in accordance with modesty.
