Q: I am a follower of the Hanafi madhab and have great respect for the Hanafi ulema of the sub continent and accept that the answers they give to their question are based only on shariah and there are no ulterior motives, however, I could not come to terms with the answer to the question regarding haircuts.
I understand that scholars give certain answers knowing the intent of the questioner to follow their desires, and they give their answers in such a way that people do not abuse the answer given. However, with regards to the answer on haircuts, the answer mentions that the hair should be kept all one length, however, we are all aware that the prophet and the companions kept long hair up to the earlobes, shoulders and in between and simple reasoning tells me that the hair from the front of the head hanging down to behind the head down to the shoulder would be twice if not three times as long as the hair at the back of the head, therefore, I cannot see a problem with a haircut that is number 5 blade on top and number 4 blade on the side, the difference would not even be noticeable by an onlooker. I am aware of qaza, however, from what I have read this is the complete shaving of hair on some parts and leaving other parts, therefore, can you tell me wether doing a haircut of something along the lines of number 5 on top and number 4 on the sides is haraam or not?
A: We have prepared a detailed article on this topic. You may refer to it on the following link: http://muftionline.co.za/node/24022
If you have any queries thereafter, you may ask.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)
Q: Can you please answer the question I asked specifically as it contains details that I need addressed in order to remove doubts. My question was that the prophet and sahaba were known to grow their hair upto ear length etc and this means that the hair at the front of the head would be teice if not three times longer than the hair at the back of the head. Therefore, how can a haircut that is not explicitly qaza such as 5 on top and 4 on sides be impermissible?
A: The sunnat that was explicitly and clearly practised cannot be questioned. The explanation of the hadeeth will be accepted from those who have specialized in hadeeth. The explanations of the great aslaaf who possessed that level of understanding and taqwa will be accepted. If we have to go with your made up interpretation then there will be no meaning left for qaza because even if the hair on the side was cut completely with just tiny little strands left which could amount to being three times smaller than the hair at the top then according to your explanation this must be permissible. For Allah's sake, have fear and leave your invented interpretation. Just move with that which is coming down from the aslaaf i.e. the righteous muttaqi ulama that had that level of taqwa.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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