Pearls Of Deen

Hairstyles in Islam

By Jamiat KZN

Men are permitted to cut their hair. This is based on the fact that there are numerous narrations which mention that Rasulullah sallallahualaihiwasallam and the Sahabah radhiallahuanhum cut, trimmed or shaved their hair. However, there are; as with any other aspect of a Muslims life; certain restrictions and boundaries.

Everyone is attracted to the latest fashion and style donned by celebrities, pop stars, sports stars and models. Everybody wants to be identified as a person who is in-sync with the times and in co-ordination with the latest trend. This ranges from the clothes such people wear to the foods they eat; and the hairstyles they don.

Hairstyles play a major part in the way a person is perceived by society. Certain hairstyles display chivalry and boyishness, whereas other styles display that a person is a business man or a serious person. Certain hairstyles link a person to a certain group, clique or organization. Other people choose to style their hair to display their personality; be it daring, carefree, lazy, adventurous, free spirited etc.

Some of these hairstyles are as follows:

•Crew cut •Buzz cut •Dreadlocks •Fohawk •Mowhawk

•Flattop •Afro •Spikes •Mullet •Pompadour

•Quiff •Rattail •Caesar cut •Cornrows •Shag

•Undercut •Curtains •Half ponytail •High top fade •Line up

•Tonsure •Waves •Comb over •Emo hair •Bangs

As Muslims we should protect our identity. Islam is our way of lifein everything.It is not restricted to the masjid, house or workplace. It advises us on what we can and can't wear, what we can and can't eat; likewise it has given us specific guidelines pertaining to our appearance.

Allah Ta῾ālā states in the Holy Quran:

قُلْإِنْكُنْتُمْتُحِبُّونَاللَّهَفَاتَّبِعُونِييُحْبِبْكُمُاللَّهُوَيَغْفِرْلَكُمْذُنُوبَكُمْ

(3/31)

"Say: (Oh Muhammad) If you love Allah then follow me and Allah will love you and He will forgive your sins."

It was the noble habit of Rasulullah sallallahualaihiwasallam to keep long hair and it has also been proven that he shaved the hair of his mubaarak head.

If one doesn't want to keep long hair or a bald head, he may adopt the hairstyles of the pious people in one's vicinity because Allah Ta῾ālā states in the Holy Quran:

وَاتَّبِعْسَبِيلَمَنْأَنَابَإِلَيَّ

(31/15)

"And follow the way of those people who repent to me."

It should be kept in mind that our actions are judged by our intentions. If a person keeps long hair to emulate the Prophetsallallahualayhiwasallam, then he is practicing a Sunnah for which he will be rewarded. However, if he keeps long hair to emulate the appearance of a certain religious sect or to resemble women, then he is doing something impermissible as will be discussed below.

Generally, there are three factors that render a haircut impermissible.

i. قزع (Partially shaved)