Can I cut my hair and nails before qurbani?

Dhul Hijjah is one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar. It is the month of Hajj, one of the 5 sacred pillars of Islam, the month in which Prophet Ibrahim (AS) made his sacrifice to Allah (SWT) and the month in which Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha.

During this month, Muslims reflect on the story of Ibrahim (AS) and the significance of his devotion to Allah (SWT). Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha each year and perform the qurbani as part of this.

Qurbani as it is known in Arabic, or sacrifice, is the slaughter of an animal – a goat, sheep, camel or cow – to reflect the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail (AS) for the sake of Allah (SWT). The animal is then distributed to those most in need around the world. You can also find out more about how Islamic Relief distributes qurbani meat here.

There are a few rules for performing qurbani, and a commonly asked question is whether or not if the one performing qurbani is prohibited from cutting their hair and nails in the lead-up to the sacrifice. You can find everything you need to know about this issue here.

There are different scholarly opinions regarding the cutting of nails before making the qurbani sacrifice.

In the Hanbali madhab (school of thought), it is considered haraam (forbidden) to cut your nails if you’re donating qurbani.

According to the majority of the scholars, however, to refrain from cutting your nails is recommended. It is best to seek advice according to your madhab (school of thought).

See more qurbani rules here.

There are different schools of thought regarding the cutting of hair before making the qurbani sacrifice.

In the Hanbali madhab (school of thought), it is considered haraam (forbidden) to cut your hair if you’re donating qurbani.

According to the majority of the scholars, however, to refrain from cutting your hair is recommended. It is best to seek advice according to your madhab (school of thought).

See more qurbani rules here.

There are different schools of thought regarding the cutting of nails before making the qurbani sacrifice.

If your madhab (school of thought) offers the prohibition of cutting hair and nails before making the qurbani, the prohibition starts from the 1st of Dhul Hijjah and lasts until one has made the qurbani and can resume cutting hair and nails thereafter.

The same principle of refraining from cutting one’s hair and nails (obligatory in the Hanafi madhab, recommended in other madhabs) applies whether you donate qurbani online or do so in person.

No. The principle of refraining from cutting one’s hair and nails (obligatory in the Hanafi madhab, recommended in other madhabs) only applies to the one making the donation of qurbani.

In a famous hadith, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) says:

“When the 10 days (of Dhu’l-Hijjah) begin – and any one of you wants to offer a sacrifice, let him refrain (from cutting) his hair and nails.” (Muslim)

A number of scholars used this hadith as the basis for his statement that refraining from cutting your hair and nails forms part of the completion of the sacrificial rite of the qurbani.

Find out more information on qurbani rules and where to make your qurbani donation.

Donate qurbani and make your sacrifice today.