Is It Obligatory to Bury Nails and Fallen Hair?

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: As salam alaykum,

Is it compulsory to bury nails and fallen hair?

Answer: Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah,

I pray that this message finds you well, insha’Allah.

No, burying hair and nails is not obligatory, but superior given the honour bestowed upon the human being by Allah Most High.

Allah Most High says, “Verily we have honoured the Children of Adam.” [17.70]

As for some texts indicating necessity (wujub), they are considered to be simply emphasising the recommendation of doing so because the jurists follow up by mentioning that there is no harm in merely throwing them away.

However, some scholars mention that if you are going to simply throw them away, then consider wrapping them up in something first (such as a tissue or the like) in order that they are given some level of respect and honour.

Please also see: Disposing of Hair and Nails and: The Sunnah of Clipping Nails

And Allah alone knows best.

wassalam,

Tabraze Azam

Checked & Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani