Shave Completely or Leave It Entirely

📖Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 5576, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2120
Ibn Umar reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, prohibited partial shaving. It was said to Nafi’, “What is partial shaving?” Nafi’ said, “It is to shave part of a boy’s head and leave the rest.”
In another narration, the Prophet said, “Shave it all or leave it all.”

Description
This hadith emphasizes the importance of completeness and uniformity in personal grooming, specifically in shaving the head. Partial shaving—removing hair from only part of the head, was prohibited to avoid unnatural or uneven appearances, which could carry social, cultural, and health implications.

Reason and Possible Wisdom

• Avoiding unnatural appearance: Partial shaving may make a person look incomplete or odd, which Islam discourages.
• Preventing social ridicule: Children or youth with uneven haircuts could face teasing or social discomfort.
• Health considerations: Uneven shaving could increase the risk of scalp irritation or infections if some areas are shaved and others are not. Complete shaving ensures uniform scalp exposure, reducing certain hygiene issues.
• Symbolic wisdom: It teaches following prophetic guidance fully rather than partially, reflecting the principle of completeness in actions.

Science-related insight
Modern dermatology suggests that uneven shaving may cause:

• Razor bumps or ingrown hairs in shaved areas
• Uneven sun exposure, leading to potential skin irritation
• Difficulties in maintaining hygiene on partially shaved scalp areas

The hadith encourages either full shaving or leaving the hair untouched, reflecting both aesthetic and hygienic wisdom. It also instills the principle of completeness in following the Prophet’s guidance.

 

 

This type of partial shaving is not allowed

The scholars agreed upon the disapproval of partial shaving if it is done in different places, unless it is done for medical treatment and so on.

Quranic Context

📖Quran 2:229
And do not forget kindness between you. Indeed, Allah sees what you do.

• While this verse does not mention shaving specifically, it supports the idea that our actions, small or detailed,  should be complete, thoughtful, and considerate, aligning with prophetic guidance.

📖Quran 33:21
There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day, and who remembers Allah often.

• Following the Prophet ﷺ fully, including in grooming and personal habits, is part of emulating the best example in Islam.