Regulations on Head Shaving
According to scholars, there are six classifications regarding the act of shaving the head. Below is an explanation of these classifications:
- It is considered an act of worship and obedience to Allah – the Most High – when done during pilgrimage (Hajj or Umrah), on the seventh day after the birth of a child, or when a non-Muslim converts to Islam.
- It is regarded as polytheism (shirk) if the intention is to humble oneself before others.
- In many instances, it is viewed as a disliked innovation (bid’ah), such as shaving for the sake of showing piety or religious devotion, or when a penitent person shaves upon repenting.
- It is prohibited in several scenarios, including during periods of grief due to the death of a loved one, or when it resembles the practices of non-believers or immoral individuals.
- It is permissible if there is a need, such as for medical treatment or to eliminate lice.
- Some scholars consider it disliked if done without a specific reason or necessity, while others deem it permissible.
Regulations on Facial Hair Removal
Scholars have differing opinions regarding the permissibility of shaving or plucking facial hair, largely due to their varying interpretations of the term “namas,” which is prohibited in the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. Some scholars believe this prohibition applies to all facial hair, while others restrict it to eyebrow hair only. The prevailing view is that the prohibition on “namas” is specific to the eyebrows. Therefore, women are permitted to remove unwanted facial hair, especially if it is unusual for them, such as mustache hair. Regarding men, they are allowed to remove facial hair that falls outside the beard and eyebrows, as the prohibition targets eyebrow hair while encouraging men to grow and maintain their beards.
Regulations on Body Hair Removal
Women are allowed to shave and remove hair from their bodies, excluding hair on the head. This includes hair on arms, legs, chest, and back, provided it does not harm their skin—particularly if the body hair is dense enough to affect their beauty and comfort. Likewise, men can remove excess body hair from their backs, legs, chests, and similar areas if it exceeds normal levels and causes discomfort. However, the removal of this hair should not be done with the intention of mimicking women, and it should not lead to any harm.