Trimming the nails is one of the restrictions of Ihram that pilgrims are required to avoid throughout the state of Ihram. Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta has clarified the ruling for anyone who bites or trims their nails while in Ihram, whether intentionally or forgetfully.
Dar Al-Ifta explained that trimming the nails is included among the restrictions of Ihram because it is considered part of removing the effects of being unkempt and an aspect of personal comfort.
The jurists based this ruling, among other evidence, on Allah’s statement: “Then let them remove their prescribed duties.” [Qur’an 22:29].
Does Biting the Nails Invalidate Ihram?
Biting or trimming the nails does not invalidate Ihram. However, an expiation may become due depending on the number of nails that were trimmed, according to the detailed ruling adopted in the fatwa.
The majority of jurists hold that an expiation is required for trimming nails during Ihram, including when the act occurs intentionally, forgetfully, or out of ignorance, considering it a form of physical removal.
How Much Is the Expiation for Trimming Nails?
Islamic jurists have different views regarding the amount of expiation depending on the number of nails trimmed.
Dar Al-Ifta selected the position of the Shafi‘i and Hanbali schools, considering it a middle position among the different scholarly opinions.
According to this position:
- One nail: One mudd of food, estimated at approximately 510 grams.
- Two nails: Two mudd, equivalent to approximately 1.020 kilograms.
- Three nails or more: A complete expiation becomes due.
What Is the Full Expiation for Trimming Nails?
When a complete expiation is required for trimming three or more nails, the person in Ihram has a choice between three options: slaughtering a sheep, feeding six needy people, or fasting for three days.
For one or two nails, the expiation is the prescribed amount of food explained above.
Ruling on Forgetfully Biting a Nail During Ihram
According to the selected fatwa, the ruling does not differ in terms of the expiation between someone who trims a nail intentionally and someone who does so forgetfully.
The same principle applies to someone who plays with a nail while in Ihram and unintentionally bites or breaks it.
What Should Someone Do If They Habitually Bite Their Nails?
Anyone who has a habit of biting their nails and does so while in Ihram should consider how many nails were actually trimmed and then observe the corresponding expiation according to the selected ruling.
If one nail was trimmed, one mudd of food is due. If two nails were trimmed, two mudd are due. If three or more nails were trimmed, a complete expiation applies, with the choice between slaughtering a sheep, feeding six needy people, or fasting for three days.
Is biting nails one of the restrictions of Ihram?
Yes. Trimming nails is considered one of the restrictions that a person in Ihram must avoid.
What is the expiation for trimming one nail?
One mudd of food is due, estimated at approximately 510 grams according to the selected fatwa.
What if two nails are trimmed during Ihram?
The person must give two mudd of food, equivalent to approximately 1.020 kilograms.
What is required for trimming three nails?
A complete expiation is due, with a choice between slaughtering a sheep, feeding six needy people, or fasting for three days.
Does the ruling change if the nail was bitten forgetfully?
According to the selected fatwa, the expiation applies in the same way whether the nail was trimmed intentionally or forgetfully.
