Refraining from cutting hair and following Dhul-Hijjah And until its completion, Qurbani (sacrifice) is a practice rooted in the teachings of Islam. This article will delve into this act, its wisdom, and evidence from the Quran and Hadith. To provide clarity to those who intend to practice or Qurbani.
Understanding Qurbani (Sacrifice)
Qurbani or Udhiyah means sacrificing a specific animal during Eid al-Adha in obedience to Allah’s command. It commemorates the deeds of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) as a profound symbol of devotion and submission to Allah.
Allah says in Al-Khora:
“Then I will go to your God and offer sacrifices. (Only Him)”
(Surat Al-Kawsar : 108:2)
This act is an important Sunnah that emphasizes gratitude, obedience, and sharing with those in need.
To decide how to avoid wearing hair and nails
It is recommended (Mustahab) for those who intend to offer Qurbani without cutting or plucking his hair from the beginning of Dhul-Hijjah. until the sacrifice is completed This decision applies only to the person offering Qurbani. And not with his dependents. Unless they also intend to perform Qurbani.
Evidence of Hadith
The main source of this decision comes from a Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (PECE):
Reported by Umm Salamah (R.A.):
“When you arrive in the new month of Dhul-Hijjah and one of you intended to offer a sacrifice. Let him abstain from cutting his hair and the like.”
(Sahih Muslim: 1977)
This Hadith clearly shows that when Dhul-Hijjah begins those who intend to perform Qurbani should avoid cutting their hair and nails.
The wisdom behind this move
Scholars have explained the wisdom behind this work as follows.
Like the pilgrims in Ihram:
It is symbolic to approach those in Ihram during Hajj, as pilgrims are also forbidden to cut their hair and nails.
Preservation of the sacrificial body:
Qurbani is accompanied by the symbolic offering of the still uncut hair and nails to Allah, reflecting the total devotion of the individual.
Focus on presentations:
The prohibition reminds Muslims to focus on the spiritual significance of sacrifice and its intention to please Allah.
decisions and exceptions
What is the important thing?
Although highly recommended, it is not mandatory. Failure to do so does not invalidate the offering.
Shaykh Ibn Baaz (May Allah be pleased with him) said:
“It is Sunnah to refrain from trimming the priest’s hair and nails. It’s inevitable and it’s not a sin to do it.”
(Majmoo’ Fatawa Ibn Baaz, 18/41).
Unintentional Actions:
There is no penalty for inadvertently forgetting hair or nails.
Health or hygiene requirements:
If it is necessary to cut hair or nails for medical reasons or for hygiene reasons, it is permissible.
Scholarly opinions
The majority of the scholars of some Hanbali, Shafi’i and Maliki schools consider it Sunnah to refrain from trimming the hair and nails. However, the Hanafi school does not regard it as a Sunnah but sees it as a recommended practice without the sin of omission.
Practical applications
This exercise helps caregivers:
Make sure you perform your rituals before seeing the month of Dhul-Hijja.
Remind yourself of the spiritual importance of pleasing Allah with your actions and intentions.
Quality of sacrifices and related practices
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) revealed its great fruit
Narrated by means of Aisha (RA):
“There is nothing dearer to Allah for the duration of the times of sacrifice than the sacrificing of animals. The sacrificed animal will come at the Day of Judgement with its horns, hair, and hooves [to be weighed]. The sacrifice is frequent by Allah before the blood reaches the ground. So, sacrifice with an open and glad coronary heart.”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi: 1493)
The Practice of Avoiding Hair and Nail Trimming Before Qurbani: An Islamic Perspective
This Hadith emphasizes the benefit of Qurbani and the cost of adhering to its etiquettes, together with the refraining from slicing hair and nails.
Conclusion
Refraining from reducing one’s hair and nails for the duration of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah is a Sunnah exercise that reflects devotion and alignment with the spirit of Qurbani. While it isn’t obligatory, adhering to it brings rewards and permits Muslims to deepen their reference to Allah for the duration of these blessed days.
By following this Sunnah, Muslims encompass submission to Allah, gratitude for His blessings, and team spirit with the worldwide Muslim Ummah. For those making ready for Qurbani, watching this exercise is a way to decorate the spiritual essence of the sacrifice.
May Allah take delivery of our Qurbani, forgive our shortcomings, and grant us the capability to follow the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).