Exposition of the Prohibition

This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 5936, transmitted through Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), contains a severe prohibition from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) regarding the practice of hair elongation. The curse mentioned signifies extreme divine displeasure and distance from Allah's mercy, indicating the gravity of this action in Islamic law.

Scholarly Interpretation

Classical scholars like Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani in Fath al-Bari explain that this prohibition applies to both the one who attaches false hair and the one who requests such attachment. The condemnation encompasses artificial hair pieces, weaves, and any form of hair extensions that deceive others about one's natural appearance.

Imam al-Nawawi in Sharh Sahih Muslim clarifies that this ruling applies regardless of whether the attached hair comes from a permissible source, as the prohibition lies in the act of deception and alteration of Allah's creation.

Legal Ruling and Exceptions

The majority of scholars consider this practice haram (forbidden) based on the explicit curse in the hadith. However, some Hanafi scholars permitted it for a woman to use artificial hair with her husband's consent, though this view is considered weak against the clear prophetic prohibition.

Scholars make exception for medical necessity, such as covering hair loss due to illness or treatment, where no deception is intended.

Wisdom Behind the Prohibition

The prohibition serves multiple purposes: preventing deception in marriage contracts, avoiding imitation of immoral women who historically used such practices, protecting women from vanity, and preserving the natural creation of Allah without artificial alteration that constitutes deception.