Cutting hair and nails before Qurbani | Islamic Relief Canada (2024)

One of the frequently asked questions about the Qurbani rules is regarding cutting hair and nails before Qurbani, a sacred duty performed yearly during the holy month of Dhul Hijjah.

Can we cut our nails and hair before Qurbani?

According toQurbani rules, the cutting of nails and hair before Qurbani is not allowed during the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah for anyone sacrificing an animal and performing their Qurbani/Udhiya.

In the Hanbali madhab, it is considered haram to cut your hair or nails if you’re donating Qurbani.

According to most scholars, however, refraining from cutting your hair and nails is a recommended act rather than an obligatory one. It is best to seek advice according to your madhab.

When can we cut our nails and hair before Qurbani?

The cutting of nails and hair is not allowed during the first 10 days before Qurbani, but one can cut their hair and nails before Qurbani by cutting them before the 1st day of Dhul Hijjah. The prohibition starts from the 1st of Dhul Hijjah and lasts until one has performed Qurbani and can continue cutting hair and nails thereafter.

When is the last day to cut nails and hair before Qurbani?

There are different schools of thought regarding the cutting of nails before performing Qurbani.

If your madhab states those performing Qurbani cannot cut hair and nails before Qurbani, the prohibition starts from the 1st of Dhul Hijjah.
This means the Qurbani rules recommend not cutting hair and nails before Qurbani and until one has performed Qurbani and can resume cutting hair and nails thereafter.

For those who want to offer a sacrifice, the last day recommended to cut hair and nails is before the new moon of Dhul Hijjah appears. On the 1st of Dhul Hijjah, you do not cut your hair or nails until Qurbani is completed.