For Muslims, Eid al-Adha is a great act of worship and sacrifice that revives the memory of Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S) and his obedience to Allah(S.W.A). Every year, millions of Muslims around the world sacrifice animals in the way of Allah and follow the Sunnah of Ibrahim (A.S). As the moon of Dhul Hijjah is sighted, many people ask whether those intending to offer Qurbani are allowed to cut their hair, nails, or body hair after the moon appears.

Regarding this, the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said:

“When the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah begin, and one of you intends to offer a sacrifice, he should not cut his hair or nails until he has offered the sacrifice.”
(Sahih Muslim)

Based on this Hadith, Islamic scholars explain that a person who plans to perform Qurbani should avoid cutting hair, nails, and unnecessary body hair after the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah moon until the sacrifice is completed. After performing Qurbani, it becomes permissible to trim them again.

However, scholars also clarify that this act is recommended (Mustahab) and not compulsory. If someone cuts their hair or nails due to need or by mistake, the Qurbani will still be valid.

Rules for Hair and Nails During Hajj and Ihram

If you are performing Hajj in 2026, then the rulings regarding hair and nails become different from normal days. Once a pilgrim enters the state of Ihram, cutting hair, trimming nails, or removing body hair is not allowed. These restrictions remain until the major rituals of Hajj are completed. After the sacrifice (Qurbani) and the ritual of Rami al-Jamarat, men are required to either shave the head completely (Halq) or trim the hair (Qasr), while women only cut a small portion from the ends of their hair. After this step, the state of Ihram ends, and it becomes permissible to trim nails or manage hair again.

For this reason, it is better to trim nails, hair, and clean unnecessary body hair before the moon of Dhul Hijjah is sighted and before wearing Ihram. This helps pilgrims avoid difficulty or accidental mistakes during the state of Ihram. Muslims should also remember that personal cleanliness before Ihram is part of the Sunnah and is considered preparation for a sacred act of worship.

What Should Muslims Do When the Moon of Dhul Hijjah Is Sighted?

The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are considered among the most blessed and important days in Islam. Good deeds performed during these days are very beloved to Allah(S.W.A), which is why Muslims are encouraged to increase their worship, remembrance of Allah(S.W.A), and righteous actions during this special time.

During these blessed days, Muslims should especially try to:

• Offer prayers regularly and on time
• Recite the Holy Quran daily
• Increase the remembrance of Allah by saying:
  • SubhanAllah
  • Alhamdulillah
  • Allahu Akbar
  • La ilaha illallah
• Treat relatives and family members with kindness
• Stay away from sins and bad habits
• Give charity and help people in need

Muslims should also try to keep voluntary fasts, especially on the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah). Fasting on this day carries a great reward. According to Hadith, the fast of Arahfah becomes a means for the forgiveness of sins from the previous and coming year.

These days are a valuable opportunity to strengthen one’s connection with Allah(S.W.A) and prepare spiritually for Eid al-Adha. Every Muslim should make the most of these blessed days through worship, patience, and good deeds. May Allah(S.W.A) accept our prayers, Ibadah, and the Hajj of all pilgrims. Ameen.

Note: If you are performing Hajj in 2026 so read this blog :https://umrahxpress.co.uk/most-important-and-powerful-duas-for-hajj/