Does Prophetic Practice Favor Short Hair in Men?

Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Question

Does the Prophet’s (Allah bless him and give him peace) comment in the hadith about Wa’il ibn Hujr suggest that short hair is preferred or encouraged for men over long hair?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

The hadith about Wa’il ibn Hujr does not indicate a preference for short hair over long hair. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) himself wore his hair at various lengths at different times. What is preferred is cleanliness, neatness, and avoiding vanity or extravagance, regardless of hair length.

Allah Most High says:

“Indeed, you have in the Messenger of Allah an excellent example for whoever hopes for Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah often.” [Quran, 33:21]

In the hadith, the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) remarked on the appearance of Wa’il ibn Hujr but did not make a legal ruling or recommend short hair as superior. According to authentic reports, the Prophet’s hair sometimes reached his earlobes, shoulders, or between, depending on the season and circumstance. [Tirmidhi, Shama‘il Muhammadiyya]

Short and long hair are permissible for men, provided it is maintained with cleanliness and dignity. The Sunna reflects moderation and balance; thus, neither style holds superiority in Sacred Law. The focus remains on humility, simplicity, and personal grooming rather than on the specific length of hair.

Allah knows best.
[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 (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, 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 been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.

Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town. He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, 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 Prophetic living and fitness.