There is difference of opinion amongst the Ulama Kiraam with regards to whether cutting the hair in two different lengths will fall under the definition of Qaz’a, that has been prohibited by Rasulullaah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. However, before mentioning the Fataawa of our Akaabir, we would like to clarify the point that people are in a misconception that if cutting the hair in two different lengths does not fall under the definition of Qaz’a, then it should be permissible to do so. However, after one has a look at the Fataawaa of our Ulama, then it will be clear that even though if it does not per se fall under the definition of Qaz’a, it will still be prohibited and people will still be required to abstain, as will be mentioned below.

1. Hazrat Mufti Rashid Ahmed Ludhyaanwi Rahimahullah describes Qaz’a (which is clearly prohibited in the Hadeeth) in Ahsanul Fataawaa as: “To shave part of the hair and leave out the remaining or to trim some of the hair more and some of the hair less (i.e. trimming in two different lengths)” (Ahsanul Fataawa Vol. 8 Pg. 82) 

Consider the following narrations of Rasulullaah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam:

Abdullah Ibn Umar (Radhiyallahu Anhuma) reports that Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam prohibited Qaz’a. (Sunan Abu Dawood Vol. 4 Pg. 83) 

In another Hadeeth it is stated that once Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam saw a child whose hair was partially shaved and and partially not. Immediately, Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam prohibited this act and said that if the hair is shaved then all should be shaved and if you wish to leave it, then leave all the hair. (Sunan Abu Dawood Vol 4 Pg. 83) 

Considering the above-mentioned narrations, the honorable Mufti, Hazrat Mufti Rashid Ahmed Ludhyaanwi Rahimahullah has included trimming the hair in two different lengths as Qaz’a and therefore, unlawful (as quoted above).

2. Hadhrat Mufti Abdur-Raheem Laajpoori Rahimahullah writes in Fataawa Raheemiyyah that trimming the hair in two different lengths as is the fashion and known as English hair (or hairstyle of the west) is not in accordance to the teachings and Sunnah of Rasulullaah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. Moreover, by doing so, one is imitating the Kuffar which in itself is forbidden in Shar’iah. (Fataawa Rahimiyyah Vol. 10 Pg. 114) 

Similarly, it is stated in Fatawa Haqqaniyyah that Rasulullaah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam either shaved all his hair or kept his hair one of three types: Wafrah, Limmah or Jummah. Therefore, to trim the hair in two different lengths is against the teachings of Rasulullaah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam and is an imitation of the ways of the Kuffar (disbelievers). Thus, one should abstain from trimming one’s hair like the disbelievers. (Fataawa Haqqaniyyah Vol. 2 Pg. 464) 

Hadhrat Mufti Ahamed Khanpoori Damat Baraakaatuhu also writes that the second type of hair that is unlawful is that which entails imitating the disbelievers. Therefore, English hair (hairstyles of the disbelievers) is unlawful due to the same reason. The honorable Mufti Saheb thereafter quotes the Fatwa of his beloved Ustaadh, Hadhrat Mufti Mahmood Saheb Gangohi Rahimahullah which states: “(keeping) English hair is Makrooh because of Tashabbuh”.

The honourable Mufti Saheb further mentions regarding Tashabbuh that one should remember that if the Muslims already have a particular method of doing something and the Kuffaar adopt our way, whether with the intention of imitating us or not, then this will be regarded to be Tashabbuh co-incidentally (perpetrated by them); hence will not deter us from continuing with that method. However, if we have our own particular way of doing something that is different from the disbelievers and thereafter, we leave our way and adopt their method instead, then will fall under the purview of the prohibited Tashabbuh ; hence doing so will not be permissible. Moreover, in the latter scenario, if a person has the intention of imitating the disbelievers, then it will be Makrooh-e-Tahreemi to adopt their method. However, if a person does not have such an intention, then too, it will still be regarded to be Makrooh-e-Tanzeehi. (and hence should be avoided). (Mahmudul Fataawa Vol. 3 Pg. 277) 

From the above mentioned Fataawaa, we learn that trimming the hair in two different lengths, thereby imitating the different so-called stars and actors’ is unlawful. The same ruling will apply whether we regard trimming the hair in two different lengths to be Qaz’a or not.

One point that needs to be clarified too is that some people justify their action (trimming hair in two different lengths) by saying that they don’t have an intention to imitate the disbelievers and therefore, it should be permissible! Hadhrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Al-Thanwi Rahimahullah writes in Imdaadul Ahkaam that nowadays, people consider flimsy excuses to make things permissible, whereas, in reality, deep down in their hearts, they are imitating the disbelievers. Hence, whether the intention of Tashabbuh is present or not, precaution would demand that a person does not imitate the disbelievers in any way what so ever. In fact, we are commanded not to consciously imitate the disbelievers in any action way whatsoever. (Mahmudul Fataawa Vol. 3 Pg. 277) 

Lastly, the best of examples for us is none other than our beloved Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. Allaamah Hafiz Ibn-e-Hajr Al- ‘Asqalaani Rahimahullah writes that one of the reasons why Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam prohibited Qaz’a is that shaving the hair in that manner was the way and method of the Yahood (Jews).viii Keeping in mind the perfect example of our beloved Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, when trimming the hair in two different lengths is the style and way of the disbelievers (pop stars and soccer stars etc.), a person should totally abstain from such hair styles whether he has the intention of imitating these so-called stars or not.

We make Dua to Allah Ta'aala to grant us the correct understanding of Deen and to grant us the ability to lead our lives according to the teachings of Rasulullaah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. Ameen.

AND ALLAH TA'AALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST

ANSWERED BY: Sohel Lala 

CHECKED AND APPROVED BY: Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B. 

Islamic Date: 16 Jumaadal Ula 1440 - English Date: 23 January 2019