Professor `Abdur-Rahman Ar-Rifa`i, at Al-Azhar University, states: “Kohl as well as other kinds of adornment and beautification used by women are all halal and there is nothing wrong in using them as long as the motive is solely to please the husband. This means that it is not allowed for a woman to use Kohl as well as other cosmetics to attract the attention of other non-mahram males because this will open the door for Satanic temptation and may stir up sedition in society.”
Sheikh `Attiyyah Saqr, former head of Al-Azhar Fatwa Committee, adds: “In an attempt to ward off temptation and safeguard the Muslim women, Islam orders women not to uncover their `awrah (parts of the body which should not uncovered in front of others) before non-mahram males . Allah Almighty says: ‘And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to display of their adornment only that which is apparent…’ (An-Nur: 31)
Regarding applying Kohl to the eyes, I can say that the permissibility of that is on condition that it does not pave way to temptation and that it is used just for a specific lawful purpose, not just for attracting men’s attention. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) says: ‘Actions are based on the intentions behind them and everyone shall have but that which he intended…’ (Reported by Al-Bukhari)
Finally, we advise our sisters in Islam to fear Allah and not to display their God-gifted beauty to anybody except their husbands.”