Rulings During Dhul-Hijjah (Sacrifice Period)
During the Dhul-Hijjah Sacrifice Period, Islamic rulings emphasize hygiene while also placing special limits on grooming. In the first ten days, anyone intending to offer sacrifice, Qurbani, or Udhiyah, and who has the means, must refrain from cutting hair and nails from the start until the sacrifice is completed after the Eid prayer. From practical experience, many forget that if 40 Days Expire or grooming was neglected and the time is near or already passed before these days begin, it becomes necessary to clean up first to maintain cleanliness and avoid sin. Pilgrims performing Hajj follow this ruling, while those only in Ihram can still cut their hair and nails.
General Hygiene & Fitrah (Natural Disposition)
General Hygiene is deeply tied to Fitrah (Natural Disposition). We must trim, cut, remove, or shave within the 40-day limit, because exceeding it is discouraged and must be corrected immediately. These practices—circumcision, shaving pubes, nail trimming, plucking, and caring for the mustache—are a part of the innate human disposition. Teaching this regularly, I see how balance makes practice easy and consistent rather than burdensome.
Nail Care and Common Mistakes
Nail Care is an important detail of daily worship. Biting nails is disliked (Makruh) due to health risks, and using fake nails is impermissible. Long nails can collect dirt and become a source of harm, especially when eating. Keeping nails short helps protect both physical health and spiritual discipline.
Hair Removal and Body Grooming
Hair Removal of the underarm and pubic area is permissible and encouraged for cleanliness. Friday is a recommended day for such removals, as it prepares a person for Jumma prayers. Regular grooming also reduces discomfort, odor, and illness, making worship easier and more focused.
Cleanliness in Islam: Outer and Inner Care
Cleanliness is clearly emphasized in Islam, the Quran, and the Sunnah. The Beloved Blessed Messenger صَلَّی اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَلَیْہِ وَاٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّمَ loves cleanliness and taught الطھور نصف الایمان, meaning cleanliness is half of faith (Jami Al-Tirmidhi). Muslims should remain clean and pure, both outside and inside—keeping clothes free from impurities, dirt, and filth, while also caring for the inner-self by removing grudges, arrogance, envy, and jealousy through good company.
Sunnah-Based Grooming Timelines
From the discussion of Madani pearls, Sayyiduna Anas رَضِیَ عَنْہُ narrated in Sahih Muslim that grooming should not be delayed beyond forty days. It is Mustahab and desirable to bathe and groom weekly or every fifteen days, especially before Jumma prayers, as reported in Shu’ab ul Iman.
Method of Trimming Fingernails
There are two ways explained for trimming fingernails, both carrying reward and Sunnah value ان شاء اللہ عزوجل. One common choice begins from the right hand, starting with the pinky, then middle, thumb, ring, and index finger, followed by the left hand in proper sequence. This method is easier, well known, and widely proved in practice.
Method of Trimming Toenails
Toenails, as mentioned in Bahar-e-Shariat and Durr Mukhtar, do not have a fixed order, but it is preferable to follow the sequence of Wudu and Khilal of the toes, beginning with the small toe and continue properly. Neglecting toenails may cause issues such as white patches, and traditions describe long nails as a sitting place of Satan in Kimia Sa’adat.
Other Etiquettes and Burying Clippings
Among Other Etiquettes, Burying Clippings is recommended. One should bury nails and hair rather than throwing them in the toilet or shower, as this can cause illness. During Umrah, cutting hair or nails is forbidden until one properly exit the state of Ihram.
Shariah Boundaries of the Head and Hair
The boundary of the head according to Shariah starts from the point where hair growth commences, directly above the forehead, extending towards the nape, back, and temple on both sides. Scholars differed on areas like Tahzeef, as discussed by Qadhi ibne Shuraih, Imam Ghazali RA, and others. The practice of the Sahabah, including Hadhrat Ali RA, as reported in Mawahib, shows flexibility while remaining within the Sunnah.
Learning and Practicing These Rulings
Understanding and applying these rulings becomes easier with guidance and consistency. This is exactly what we focus on in Our Courses, designed with a simple Monthly fee and a Free trail, helping learners build correct habits in daily life while staying firmly connected to the Sunnah.