The Ruling on Shaving Men’s Head Hair
Scholars have differing opinions regarding the permissibility of a man shaving his head hair outside of the rituals of Hajj and Umrah. The Hanafi school considers it a Sunnah for men to either shave their heads or part their hair. In contrast, the Maliki school views head shaving as a non-prohibited innovation, with Imam Al-Qurtubi noting that Imam Malik disapproved of head shaving except for the sake of ritual completion. The Shafi’i perspective permits head shaving for the purpose of cleanliness. Imam Ahmad has two narrations regarding this matter: one indicating disapproval, and the other allowing it with a preference for abstaining. Additionally, Imam Ibn Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) classified head shaving into four categories, as follows:
- Shari’ head shaving; that is, as part of one of the rituals.
- Shirk head shaving; done for the sake of elders, akin to bowing to them due to its humiliating form of servitude.
- Bid’ah head shaving; as practiced by the poor.
- Shaving for necessity or concession; such as for medical treatment or dealing with lice, which is permissible.
The Ruling on Shaving Women’s Head Hair
Islamic scholars unanimously agree that it is prohibited for women to shave their heads, as it resembles the ways of men. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) has cursed women who imitate men in this manner. However, if a woman has a medical necessity, such as a wound on her head that requires shaving for treatment, or if she seeks to restore her hair condition through shaving, this is acceptable.
The Ruling on Shaving a Newborn’s Head Hair
It is recommended for Muslims to shave the hair of a newborn, regardless of gender, although it is not considered obligatory. It is also recommended to give in charity an amount of silver equivalent to the weight of the shaved hair. This should ideally be done on the day of ‘Aqiqah, which is the seventh day after birth. If this day is missed, it is permissible to perform the act on the fourteenth or twenty-first day. If those days are also missed, the weeks thereafter are not restricted.