Shariah rulings about nails

Cutting nails is a part of the intrinsic human nature.  Here, we present some miscellaneous Shariah rulings about it.

 

The proper method of cutting nails

 

The proper way of cutting nails is that one should start with index finger of the right hand.  Then the nails of the middle finger should be cut, then the ring finger and then the little finger.  Then the nails of the little finger of the left hand should be cut; then the left ring finger, the left middle finger, the left index finger and the left thumb.  Then the nails of the right thumb should be cut.  Thus, the cutting of nails should start and end on the right hand itself.

 

As mentioned in Fatawa A’alamgiri.

 

Can we cut nails on Tuesdays?

 

We should make haste in cutting nails, as the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:

 

Translation: Don’t delay good works.

 

As given Fatawa A'alamgiri, Kitab Ul Karihiyya:

 

Translation:  An anecdote has been related that one Harun Rashid asked Imam Abu Yousuf (May Allah shower His mercy on him) about cutting nails at night and he said that nails can be cut at night.  Harun Rashid demanded a proof for this.  Hadhrat Abu Yousuf (May Allah shower His mercy on him) said:  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: There should be no delay in good works.  (Fatawa A'alamgiri, Kitab Ul Karahiyya)

 

Thus, regardless of whether it is Tuesday or any other day, if the nails are overgrown, they should be cut.

 

Is biting nails permissible?

 

Biting off the nails is Undesirable (Makruh).  The Jurisprudents have said that it might lead to diseases, as given in Fatawa A'alamgiri, Kitabul Karahiyya, Pg No. 358

 

Can we cut nails in Dhul Hijjah?

 

In the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah, Hajj is performed and those who are performing Hajj are in a state of Ihraam.  Thus, to develop some resemblance with them, for those who are performing sacrifice of an animal, it is Commendable (Mustahab) not to cut their hair or trim their nails.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) has prohibited us from doing so.  There is a Hadith in Sahih Muslim:

 

 

It is narrated on the authority of Hadhrat ‘Umar bin Muslim bin ‘Ammaar (May Allah be well pleased with him), he says:  I heard Hadhrat Sa‘eed bin Musayyib (May Allah be well pleased with him) say:  I  heard the mother of the believers Hadhrat Umm Salma (May Allah be well pleased with her) say that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  The person who has an animal for sacrifice, on seeing the moon of Dhul Hijjah, should neither remove/cut hair nor cut nails until he slaughters it.  (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 5236)