Fatwa ID: 04745

Answered by: Mufti Muhammad Imad Ali

Questions:

Q1) Can we cut our pubic hair using scissors instead of shaving it? Shaving seems difficult and risky, so is it possible to cut it using scissors?

Q2) If yes, then how much in length should we cut off since it will be difficult to cut it off completely.

Q3) I am confused as to the area which comes under pubic hair. Can you state it? Is the hair on the buttocks also included? If yes then how much.

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answers:

Saaiduna Abu Huraira narrates that the Prophet of Allah (PBUH) said “Five practices are of Fitra: circumcision, shaving the pubic hair, clipping the nails and cutting the mustache short.”   (Sahih Bukhari p.874 v.2)

It is recommended to remove the pubic hair every seven days.  It is also permissible to delay this to fifteen days, beyond forty days is Makruh Tahrimi and sinful.  (Bashti Zewar p.479)

The hair should not be left longer than forty days.  This is because of the hadith narrated by Saaiduna Anas bin Malik who said, “He set us a time limit of no more than forty days for trimming the moustache, clipping the nails, plucking of armpit hairs and shaving the pubic hair.”  (Sahih Bukhari & Sahih Muslim)

Regarding your questions is that using scissors is more dangerous than a razor in practice plus scissors don’t cut as far as a razor. However, it is still permissible to use scissors. The public hair starts from under the belly button and includes hair on one’s private parts and testicles. It’s permissible to cut the hair of the backside but not necessary. However, if the hair becomes too much and there is a risk of stool clinging onto it then it’s a must.

Only Allah knows best.

Written by Mufti Muhammad Imad Ali

Checked and Approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham