The practice of avoiding trimming hair and nails before Qurbani: Islamic perspective Refraining from cutting hair and nails until performing Qurbani (sacrifice) on the occasion of the new moon of Dhul-Hijjah is a practice rooted in Islamic teachings. This article explores the decision of this action. Wisdom and evidence in the Quran and Hadith that have been clarified by doing so.

 Recognition of Qurbani (Sacrifice)

Qurbani or Udhiyah means sacrificing a specific animal on the day of Eid al-Adha to obey Allah. It is a memorial to Prophet Ibrahim (AS) as a profound symbol of devotion and submission to Allah.

Allah says in the Quran:

“So pray to your Lord. and offer sacrifices (To Him alone)”

(Surah Al-Kawthar: 108:2)

This act is an important Sunnah that emphasizes gratitude, obedience, and sharing with those in need.

Decided to avoid cutting hair and nails

It is recommended (mustahabbam) for those wishing to offer Qurbani not to cut hair or nails from the beginning of Dhul-Hijjah until after the sacrifice. This judgment applies only to the person offering the sacrifice and not to their dependents. unless they also intend to offer sacrifices.

Evidence from Hadith

The main source for this ruling comes from the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad.

(May peace be upon him):

Reported by Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her):

“When you see the new month of Dhul-Hijjah And if one of you wants to sacrifice, he should stop (cutting) his hair and nails.”

(Sahih Muslim: 1977)

This hadith clearly shows that when Dhul-Hijjah begins Those wishing to perform Qurbani should avoid cutting their hair and nails.

The wisdom behind this practice 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:

The remaining uncut hair and nails are symbolically offered to Allah along with Qurbani, signifying 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

Is it Obligatory?

Although highly recommended, it is not mandatory. Failure to comply does not invalidate the offering.

Shaykh Ibn Baaz (May Allah is 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.

The Virtues of Qurbani and Related Acts

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) highlighted the enormous rewards of Qurbani:

Narrated through Aisha (RA):

“There is not anything costlier to Allah during the days of sacrifice than the sacrificing of animals. The sacrificed animal will come on the Day of Judgement with its horns, hair, and hooves [to be weighed]. The sacrifice is normal by way of Allah before the blood reaches the floor. So, sacrifice with an open and glad heart.”

(Sunan al-Tirmidhi: 1493)

This Hadith emphasizes the merit of Qurbani and the price of adhering to its etiquettes, such as the refraining from slicing hair and nails.

Conclusion

Refraining from slicing one’s hair and nails at some point of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah is a Sunnah exercise that displays devotion and alignment with the spirit of Qurbani. While it is not compulsory, adhering to it brings rewards and permits Muslims to deepen their reference to Allah at some point of those blessed days.

By following this Sunnah, Muslims embody submission to Allah, gratitude for His benefits, and cohesion with the worldwide Muslim Ummah. For the ones making ready for Qurbani, staring at this practice is a manner to decorate the spiritual essence of the sacrifice.

May Allah accept our Qurbani, forgive our shortcomings, and grant us the capacity to follow the Sunnah of our cherished Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).