What is the authenticity of the narration attributed to the Mother of Believers, Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, that a woman asked her: "O Mother of Believers, there are hairs on my face, so may I pluck them to beautify myself for my husband?" She replied: "Remove the harm from yourself and adorn yourself for your husband as you adorn yourself for a visit." And what is the correct alternative to it if it is not authentic?

This narration was reported by Abd al-Razzaq and al-Tabari, and its purport is that Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, was asked about removing facial hair for adornment for the husband. She replied: "Remove the harm from yourself and adorn yourself for your husband as you adorn yourself for a visit." This narration was deemed weak by Al-Albani.

It is permissible for a woman to remove excess facial hair (other than the eyebrows) by shaving or plucking. This is considered desirable for her according to the Hanafis, and obligatory according to the Shafi'is if her husband commands her to do so.