Are We Allowed to Donate Human Hair to Help with Oil Spills?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
I have watched a video about “Human hair for oil spills.” I know that in Islam, we should be careful with our hair. From the campaign video, I understand that the campaign’s intention is noble, to save nature from oil spill disasters. However, I am not sure if Muslims can donate their hair. Can you give me an explanation, please?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate. May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to that which is pleasing to Him.
Though the cause is noble, the honor Allah has bestowed on humans is nobler; therefore, donating human hair is impermissible, and Allah knows best.
Donating Human Hair
Our scholars unanimously agreed that it is not permissible to benefit from human hair by selling it and using it because the human being is honored, as Allah, Most High, says: “And We have certainly honored the children of Adam.” [Quran, 17:70]
Hence it is not permissible for any part of the human body to be treated with disrespect. [Al-Mawsu‘a al-Fiqhiyya]
How to Dispose of Human Hair
Scholars concur that it is recommended to bury everything that is separated from a living human’s body, such as a limb, hair, nails, and the like. [Shafii: Nawawi, al-Majmu’a Sharh al-Muhadhdhab, 5.213; Hanbali: Buhuti, Kashshaf Al-Qina 2.96; Hanafi: Turi, Takmilat Al-Bahr Al-Ra’iq 8.232]
I pray this is of benefit and that Allah guides us all.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar, Shaykh Taha Karaan.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Mawlana Yusuf Karaan, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has served as the Director of the Discover Islam Centre and Al Jeem Foundation. For the last five years till present, he has served as the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has thirteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic online learning and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.
