Question:

Assalamu Alaikum Sheikh. A quick question to ask on behalf of a friend. Can we use cobra oil or snake oil for hair care? Is this halal or haram?
Jazak Allah khair for asnwering.

Answer:

باسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله وعلى آله وأصحابه ومن والاه

Wa ‘Alaykum Salaam dear sister. May Allah Almighty reward you for being a valuable friend to your friend circle. Ameen.

According to the preferred view of the scholars, and Allah Almighty knows best, it is impermissible to use the oil you have cited for the purposes mentioned due to the impure nature of the reptile the oil is described from.

The only exception in this case would apply to a medical need in which no other alternative is available. It is important to also note here that in the case of medical need, a condition of it being washed off before offering any salaah would apply unless a doctor rules that doing so will affect the healing process. This is because purity of one’s body is also a condition for the validity of one’s prayer.

And Allah Almighty knows best

Your brother,
Sajid Umar