Is there a connected and sound chain of transmission (Isnad) to Abu Hanifa for the circulating story about him and the barber, and is its text (matn) authentic and plausible in his regard?
Ibn al-Jawzi mentioned that Abu Hanifa erred in five aspects of the rituals of Hajj and Umrah, and that a barber taught them to him. The barber had learned these rulings from Ata. These were: not stipulating conditions for the ritual, facing the Qiblah when shaving, starting with the right side, saying "Allahu Akbar" during shaving, and performing two rak'ahs after shaving. Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar stated that the story is famous, while the author of Al-Arf al-Shadhi doubted its authenticity.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/167794