The Prohibition of Qaza’: Understanding the Islamic Perspective on Partial Shaving

The Islamic Ruling on Qaza’: Why Partial Shaving of the Head is Prohibited

THE PROHIBITION OF QAZA’ (PARTIAL SHAVING OF THE HEAD)

Ibn ‘Umar (may ALLĀH be pleased with them) said: “The Messenger (ﷺ) forbade al-qaza'” {Al-Bukhārī, 1/363}

Ibn al-Qayyim (may ALLĀH have mercy on him) commented:

“It is said: This demonstrates the complete love by ALLĀH and HIS Messenger (ﷺ) for justice. He (ﷺ) commanded it even in the one’s matters with himself. He forbade him to shave some parts of his head and leave the rest, for this is unfair to his head, since he left some of it covered and the other bare.

Similarly, he (ﷺ) forbade sitting with one part in the sun and the other in the shade, for this is unfair to a part of his body. Similarly as well, he (ﷺ) forbade walking in one shoe; he should either wear them both or take them both off.

There are four types of al-qaza’:

1. To shave scattered parts of his head. Al-qaza’ originally means the separation of a cloud’s parts.

2. To shave the middle and leave the sides, as the Christian deacons do.

3. To shave the sides and leave the middle, as many rabble and delinquents do.

4. To shave the front and leave the back.

All these are forms of al-qaza’.

ALLĀH knows best.”

{Newborn Baby Guide || Page 128-128}