Prohibition of Trimming Hair and Nails

Q: What is the ruling on trimming one’s hair and nails during the first ten days of Dhū al-Ḥijjah for the one intending to offer a sacrifice?

A: Once the first ten days of Dhū al-Ḥijjah begin, it is prohibited for the person offering the uḍḥiyah, or the person on whose behalf the sacrifice is being offered, to remove anything from their hair, nails, or skin until the sacrifice has been performed.

If a person does trim their hair, nails, or skin during these days, they should seek forgiveness from Allāh. However, there is no expiation required, whether the act was done intentionally, forgetfully, or out of ignorance.

A wisdom mentioned for this prohibition is that forgiveness and emancipation from the Fire descend upon the person through the sacrifice, and thus it is beloved that all parts of the person remain intact for that mercy. Some attempted to explain the ruling as resembling the state of iḥrām, but this comparison is deficient, since the person offering a sacrifice remains permitted to wear sewn garments, apply perfume, and approach their spouse.

Sources: Sharḥ Muntahā al-Irādāt, Kashshāf al-Qināʿ, Maṭālib Ūlī al-Nuhā.