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 Surah Al-Kawthar:
“So pray to your Lord and offer sacrifice [to Him alone]”
(Surah Al-Kawthar 108:2)
To decide how to avoid wearing hair and nails
Scholars describe refraining from cutting hair and nails in the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, for one who intends to offer Qurbani, with different strengths; please ask your local scholar for your school’s view. 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 hadith behind this is reported by Umm Salama (Sahih Muslim 1977c):
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)
The hadith says: “When any one of you intending to sacrifice the animal enters in the month (of Dhu’l-Hijja) he should not get his hair or nails touched (cut).”
The wisdom behind this move
Scholars have explained the wisdom behind this work as follows.
Like the pilgrims in Ihram:
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’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:
Scholarly opinions
The schools of law differ on how strongly refraining is stated (a recommended practice or a Sunnah). Please ask your local scholar for your school’s view.
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
The Practice of Avoiding Hair and Nail Trimming Before Qurbani: An Islamic Perspective
Conclusion
Whether refraining is a Sunnah or a recommended practice is a point on which the schools differ; please ask your local scholar.
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).
Citation sources
• Sahih Muslim 1977c (Umm Salama), checked on sunnah.com — not cutting hair or nails for one who intends to sacrifice, from the start of Dhu’l-Hijja.
No school-specific ruling is stated beyond the quoted texts. Quotations use the Saheeh International translation on quran.com and the English shown on sunnah.com, with the grade and grader as displayed there. Where this post says nothing more on a ruling, please ask your local scholar.