Does Braiding Hair In Ihram Require Shaving?

Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Question

If a person braids or binds their hair while in ihram, does this make shaving the head obligatory when exiting ihram, based on the report of Ibn ‘Umar in Sahih al-Bukhari (no. 5914)?

How have scholars understood this narration? Does it make a special rule for braided or tied hair, different from the usual rule that shaving is not required?

Answer

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

Neither braiding nor binding your hair while in ihram means you must shave your head when exiting ihram. You are still free to choose between shaving and shortening your hair, although shaving is more rewarding. [Nawawi, Minhaj al-Talibin]

Understanding the Report of Ibn ‘Umar

The narration from Ibn Umar, “Whoever braids his hair, let him shave” [Bukhari, 5914], has been closely studied by scholars. Most agree that this was Ibn Umar’s personal legal opinion (ijtihad), not a command from the Prophet that makes shaving obligatory.

Hafiz Zayn al-Din al-Iraqi said: “Abu Hanifa held that the option (between shaving and shortening) remains for him as well, and that there is no difference between one who has glued his hair and anyone else. Ibn al-Mundhir related this from the scholars of opinion. Imam Nawawi also transmitted this in Sharh al-Muhadhdhab from Ibn Abbas. This is the latter position of Imam Shafi‘i, and it is the correct view according to his companions (Ashab).” [‘Iraqi, Tarh al-Tathrib]

There are three main reasons for this view:

One: No Sound Marfu‘ Hadith

Reports that directly attribute these words to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), known as marfu‘ hadiths, are weak. What is clearly established is that this was the Companion’s own view.

Two: Companions Differed

Other senior Companions, especially Ibn ‘Abbas (Allah be pleased with him), believed that someone who braids, binds, or glues their hair still has the original choice between shaving and shortening. When Companions disagree, and there is no clear prophetic text, the ruling does not become obligatory.

Three: Prophetic Practice Does Not Automatically Imply Obligation

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) did glue his hair and later shaved, but his action shows what is allowed and recommended, not what is required. The Quran and Sunna have already made it clear that both shaving and shortening are valid options.

The general rule stays the same: shaving is not required, even for someone who braided or bound their hair. When some Companions encouraged shaving in these cases, it was seen as advice or personal opinion, not a rule that cancels the established choice.

And 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.