Cutting Nails and Trimming Hair Before Dhul Hijjah (Eid ul-Adha)

Cutting Nails and Trimming Hair Before Dhul Hijjah (Eid ul-Adha): What You Need to Know

As Dhul Hijjah approaches, many of us start preparing our hearts, homes, and habits for the blessed days ahead. Whether you’re planning to offer Qurbani (sacrifice) or simply soaking in the virtues of the first ten days, there’s a common question that pops up every year:

“Should I cut my nails or trim my hair before Dhul Hijjah begins?”

Let’s learn about it.

What’s the Ruling?

If you’re planning to offer a sacrifice (Qurbani) this Eid, then yes — there’s a special instruction just for you.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“When the ten days (of Dhul Hijjah) start and one of you intends to offer a sacrifice, let him not remove anything from his hair or nails until he has offered his sacrifice.”

(Sahih Muslim)

That means: once the 1st of Dhul Hijjah begins, you should not cut your nails or trim your hair if you are the one giving Qurbani — up until your sacrifice is done, usually after Eid salah on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah.

What Is the Exact Date to Stop Cutting Nails and Hair?

-Before sunset on Tuesday May, 27 2025 USA/UK/Canada/ Pakistan

-Before Sunset on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, India/South Africa

If you plan on sacrificing an animal and you need to cut your hair or nails, then do so before the start of the 10 days. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “When the 10 days (of Dhul Ḥijjah) begin and one of you intends to sacrifice, then he should not remove anything from his hair or nails until he has performed the sacrifice” (Muslim).
Some scholars explain that the wisdom behind not cutting one’s hair and nails is to resemble the pilgrims of ḥajj in some way. Others consider it to be part of the completion of the sacrificial rite.

Please keep in mind that the above amal is mustahab not waajib.

NOTE : It is Waajib (compulsory) to remove hair from the armpits and pubic hair at least once every forty days.

According to both Hanafi and Shafī Madhabs it is not permissible to leave it for forty days or more. So if during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, a person’s forty days are up, it will be compulsory on him/her to remove the hair. Waajib will take priority over a Mustahabb or Sunnah.

Mark it in your calendar so you can prepare ahead!

Why This Restriction?

It’s a symbolic act — one of connection, humility, and spiritual solidarity with the sacrificial animal. Just like the pilgrims performing Hajj are in ihram (a sacred state where cutting hair and nails is forbidden), those offering Qurbani are invited to share a similar spirit of devotion.

When Can You Resume Grooming?

You can cut your nails and hair again after your Qurbani has been completed — usually on Eid day, after performing the Eid salah and your sacrifice.

What If I Forget or Slip Up?

Don’t panic. If you unintentionally trim your nails or hair during this period, your Qurbani is still valid. There’s no penalty or sin, but try your best to avoid it out of love for the Sunnah.

What About Family Members?

The restriction applies only to the person offering the Qurbani — not necessarily the whole household (unless each individual is offering their own sacrifice).

So if you’re arranging one Qurbani on behalf of your family, and it’s under your name, then only you need to observe the restriction — not your spouse or kids.

Not Giving Qurbani? No Worries

If you aren’t planning to offer a sacrifice, you can continue trimming your hair and nails as usual during Dhul Hijjah. But that doesn’t mean these days should go unnoticed.

Don’t Forget: The First 10 Days Are Gold

Whether or not you’re giving Qurbani, the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are among the most beloved days to Allah. So load up on good deeds:

Fasting (especially on the Day of Arafah — 9th Dhul Hijjah) Dhikr (especially “Allahu Akbar”, “Alhamdulillah”, and “La ilaha illallah”) Charity Prayers Qur’an Repentance

These days are full of reward. Every moment counts.

Final Thoughts

Islam teaches us that even small acts — like holding off on trimming our nails — can be acts of devotion when done with intention. So as we welcome Dhul Hijjah, let’s prepare not just outwardly, but inwardly too.

If you’re offering Qurbani this year, mark your calendar, plan ahead, and embrace this beautiful Sunnah.

May Allah accept all our efforts and sacrifices. Ameen.