Cutting hair and clipping nails during the first ten days of Zil Haj. Dr Shabir Choudhry, 15 May 2026.

 Cutting hair and clipping nails during the first ten days of Zil Haj.

Dr Shabir Choudhry, 15 May 2026.

This issue is based on an authentic Hadith, but scholars differ on whether it is:

• Obligatory (wājib),
• Strongly recommended (sunnah/mustahabb),
• Or simply advisable.

The matter specifically relates to those intending to offer a sacrifice (Qurbani/Udhiyah) during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.

The main Hadith is reported in Sahih Muslim:

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“When the ten days (of Dhul-Hijjah) begin, and one of you intends to offer a sacrifice, let him not remove anything from his hair or nails until he has offered the sacrifice.”

(Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1977 — wording varies slightly in different narrations.)

What Does This Mean?

According to this Hadith:

• A person intending to offer Qurbani should avoid:
• Cutting hair,
• Trimming nails,
• And according to many scholars, removing body hair
  during the first ten days of dhul-hijjah until the sacrifice is completed.

This ruling applies even if the person is not performing Hajj. So the practice is connected to:

• The intention of sacrifice (Udhiyah/Qurbani), not only for Hajj.

Important Clarification

This does NOT mean the person becomes like a pilgrim in the full sense.

Someone performing Hajj in the state of Ihram has many restrictions, including:

• Perfume,
• Marital relations,
• Hunting,
• Stitched clothes (for men), etc.

Those offering Qurbani while not on Hajj are only advised regarding:

• Hair,
• Nails,
• And possibly body hair.

Scholarly Opinions

1. Majority Position: Recommended, Not Obligatory

Many scholars — including scholars from the:

• The Hanafi school, and some Maliki and Shafi‘i scholars, say:

• Avoiding cutting hair and nails is recommended (mustahabb),
• But not compulsory.

According to this view:

• If someone cuts hair or nails,
• The qurbani remains valid,
• And there is no sin.

This is the position commonly followed in South Asia.

2. Hanbali Position: Obligatory

Many Hanbali scholars, based on the literal wording of the Hadith, consider it obligatory (wājib) to avoid cutting hair and nails until the sacrifice is performed.

According to this opinion:

• Deliberately cutting them without necessity is disliked or sinful,
• Though the sacrifice itself is still valid.

Why Is This Practice Encouraged?

Scholars mention several wisdoms:

• Symbolic resemblance to pilgrims in Hajj,
• Spiritual preparation,
• Humility and devotion,
• Participating spiritually in the sacred days,
• And preserving the body until the sacrifice is completed.

Some scholars also mention that every part of the body is hoped to be protected from punishment through the blessing of sacrifice, though this interpretation is more spiritual than legal.

Practical Summary

If someone intends to offer Qurbani:

• It is based on authentic Hadith to avoid cutting:
• Nails,
• Hair,
• And body hair during the first ten days of dhul-hijjah until the animal is sacrificed.

However:

• Many scholars regard this as recommended rather than obligatory.
• If someone trims hair or nails, the Qurbani is still valid.

So, people should avoid turning this issue into harsh judgment or declaring others sinful without recognising the legitimate scholarly differences. End.