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Is it permissible for one who intends to offer a sacrifice to cut their hair and nails?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

If the month of Dhul-Hijjah begins and a Muslim intends to offer a sacrifice (Udhiyah), it is forbidden for him to take anything from his hair, nails, or skin until he slaughters his sacrifice. Whoever intends to sacrifice during the first ten days [of Dhul-Hijjah] should refrain from the moment of his intention. The wisdom behind this prohibition is for the one offering the sacrifice to share with the pilgrim some characteristics of Ihram. This ruling applies specifically to the one offering the sacrifice, not to the one on whose behalf the sacrifice is offered. Whoever takes anything from these things must repent, and there is no expiation due upon him, nor does it prevent him from offering the sacrifice. If he did so forgetfully, out of ignorance, or if his hair fell out unintentionally, or if he needed to take it out of necessity, then there is no sin upon him.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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