Thursday 6 Jumada al-ula 1446 - 7 November 2024
English

Can We Cut Nails at Night?

Question

Some people tell me that cutting nails at nighttime is not allowed, and also I've been taught that we have to spit and say Bismillah on the nail or hair 3 times before throwing it in the garbage,...so that Shaytan will not be able to take it or use it. Is this correct?

Summary of answer

There is no basis for saying that cutting the nails at night is haram; rather a person may cut his nails whenever he wants, at any time of day or night. Also, there is no basis for saying that one must say Bismillah three times over nails or hair before throwing them away.

Answer

Praise be to Allah.

There is no basis for saying that cutting the nails at night is haram; rather a person may cut his nails whenever he wants, at any time of day or night. 

Similarly, there is no basis for saying that one must say Bismillah three times over nails or hair before throwing them away, otherwise the Shaytan will use them. 

It is also not correct to say that they must be buried ; a hadith was narrated concerning that which is very weak.

It is permissible to throw them in the garbage or down the drain , or to bury them. If a person fears that they may fall into the hands of those who practice sihr (witchcraft) then he should dispose of them in a place where they will not be able to get hold of them.

For more, please see these answers: 14030 , 33713 , and 101285 .

And Allah knows best.

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Source: Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid