When Does the Prohibition on Cutting Nails Begin for Those Observing a Qurbān?
Although seemingly trivial, the prohibition on cutting nails and hair carries an important ritual dimension because it directly stems from the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). So, when does this prohibition begin to apply?
When Does the Nail-Cutting Prohibition Start?
Quoting from the BAZNAS website, there is a legal basis for the prohibition on cutting nails and hair for those who are offering a qurban. In a hadith transmitted by Imam Muslim, the Prophet (PBUH) said: ‘When the first ten days of the month of Dzul Hijjah have begun and one of you intends to offer a sacrifice, let him not cut his hair or nails at all until he slaughters his qurban.’ (Hadith, Muslim 1977)
Many Muslims are still confused about when this prohibition takes effect, whether from 1 Zulhijah or from the intention to offer a qurban. The majority of scholars agree that the prohibition on cutting nails and hair for those who are qurban begins when the night of the first day of Zul Hijjah arrives.
More precisely, the prohibition begins after sunset at the end of the month Dzul Qa’dah. From that time, a person intending to offer a qurban is not allowed to cut nails until his animal is slaughtered.
However, if someone only intends to offer a qurban after 1 Zulhijah, then the prohibition on cutting nails begins from that moment of intention.
Is it illegal to cut nails for those who are qurban?
On the matter of its ruling, scholars differ, but still refer to hadith transmitted by Imam Muslim. According to Imam Nawawi, this prohibition is Sunnah Mu’akkadah, meaning it is highly recommended to follow even though it does not reach the degree of haram if violated.
On the other hand, some Hanbali jurists argue that the prohibition is wajib. Therefore, Muslims are advised to be careful and refrain from cutting nails.
Contemporary scholars such as Sheikh bin Baz and Sheikh Uthaymeen also emphasise that this prohibition applies only to people who intend to qurban. The prohibition does not apply to all members of the family who are qurban.
In practice, some scholars allow cutting nails if truly urgent, for example nails are so long that they hinder activities. However, the virtue of abstaining is part of a form of respect for the sunna.
When is it permissible to cut nails again?
For those who have completed slaughtering their qurban, the ban on cutting nails and hair automatically no longer applies. A person may cut nails again immediately after his qurban has been slaughtered.
For communities whose qurban is delegated to a committee or organisation, it is advisable to confirm the exact time to avoid violating regulations. If the qurban is slaughtered on the tasyrik days (11-13 Zulhijah), then the prohibition remains in force until the day the slaughter is carried out.