What is the ruling on al-Qaza’: Is it disliked (makrooh) or forbidden (haraam), and is it considered al-Qaza’ if there is a difference between the top of the head and its sides such that the top is slightly longer than the sides?

Al-Qaza‘ (shaving part of the head and leaving part of it) is reprehensible, a detested act of Tanzih (discouraged but not forbidden) according to the majority of scholars, with no distinction between men and women. There is disagreement regarding the reason for the prohibition. Some say it is because it disfigures one’s appearance, others say it is the attire of Satan, and still others say it is the attire of the Jews. However, thinning the sides of the head without thinning the top is permissible, as it does not fall under Al-Qaza‘.