Fatwa ID: 04728

Answered by: Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Question

If a Muslim wants to keep long hair for the sake of ALLAH and imitate our beloved Messenger of Allah Rasool salle Alaa hu alaihi wa sallam, and after keeping his hair long for a while (let’s say to his ear lope) & finds it difficult to keep it long & finds it difficult to look after his hair, is it permissible to cut & reduce the length of his hair?

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

Answer

Yes, it will be permissible to cut it with the intention to keep it neat and tidy. Below I have mentioned some ahadith, which shows the importance of keeping the hair clean, neat, and tidy.

The Prophet of Allah (SAW) has said:

“Whoever has hair, should look after it.” (Sunan Abu Dawud p.220 v.2)

On one occasion the Prophet of Allah (SAW) saw a person whose hair was disheveled. The Prophet of Allah (SAW) remarked:   “Does he not find such a thing (oil etc.) by which he can gather/straighten his hair.” (Mishkat p.375)

In another hadith, Saaiduna Abu Qatadah (RA) once asked The Prophet of Allah (SAW): “I have long hair, should I comb it?” The Prophet of Allah (SAW) replied, “Yes, and look after your hair”. Hence Abu Qatadah (RA) used to sometimes apply the oil twice a day (i.e. apply oil and comb it) because of the order of The Prophet of Allah (SAW). (Mishkaat p. 384)

Only Allah Knows Best

Written by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham