Proper Method of Removing Pubic Hair

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: What is the proper way to remove pubic hair from the body and where and when is it necessary?

Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

I pray that you are well, insha’Allah.

One can remove one’s pubic hair by any means that is [a] not harmful to one’s private parts, nor [b] unduly painful. Thus, it would be permitted to pluck, trim, shave, or use any other safe method of removing hair. [Tahtawi, Hashiyat Tahtawi; Ibn `Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar]

Which Hair is being referred to?

The hair which should be cut is that which surrounds the front private part and above it.

It would also be recommended to remove the hair from between one’s buttocks as this is closer to cleanliness. [ibid.]

How often does one need to do it?

[1] It is recommended to do so weekly;

[2] Permitted to delay until 15 days;

[3] Prohibitively disliked (and sinful) to leave beyond 40 days. [Nahlawi, al-Durar wa al-Mubaha]

Why do we have to cut it?

The mother of believers `Aisha (Allah be pleased with her) related that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said that removing the pubic hair is from one’s natural disposition. [Muslim]

The scholars differed as to what the ‘natural disposition’ (fitra) was. Many of them indicated that this was the sunna. Others added that it was in fact the sunna of all of the Prophets (Allah bless them and give them all peace). [Nawawi, Sharh Muslim]

In any case, it is from our following of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) and as Allah Most High says, “If you obey him, you will be guided. [24:54]

And Allah alone gives success.

Wassalam,

Tabraze Azam

Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani