For Muslims around the world, the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah holds great significance. It is the month of Hajj and Eid al-Adha, a time of sacrifice and devotion. Many Muslims follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by refraining from cutting their hair and nails from the start of Dhul Hijjah until after performing Qurbani (sacrifice).
Based on astronomical calculations, Dhul Hijjah 2025 is expected on Tuesday, 27 May 2025, or Wednesday, May 28, 2025. This means:
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Eid al-Adha 2025 will likely be observed on Friday, June 6, 2025, or possibly Saturday, June 7, 2025, depending on the moon sighting.
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The last day to cut hair and nails before Dhul Hijjah begins would be Tuesday, May 27, 2025, before Maghrib (evening prayer).
Important Note: Moon Sighting Determines the Exact Date
While these dates are estimates, the actual start of Dhul Hijjah depends on the sighting of the new moon. Islamic months begin only when the crescent moon is sighted, so the exact dates may vary slightly.
In Pakistan, the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee (and similar moon-sighting committees in other countries) will make an official announcement after verifying moon sightings. Therefore, Muslims should wait for the official confirmation from their local mosques or Islamic authorities before following these dates strictly.
The Legacy of Qurbani: From Prophet Ibrahim to Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Them)
Qurbani originates from the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) but was confirmed and practiced as the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Islam. Thus, it carries the sacred legacy of both prophets. Allah mentions in the Quran:
Arabic:
فَلَمَّا بَلَغَ مَعَهُ السَّعْيَ قَالَ يَا بُنَيَّ إِنِّي أَرَىٰ فِي الْمَنَامِ أَنِّي أَذْبَحُكَ فَانظُرْ مَاذَا تَرَىٰ ۚ قَالَ يَا أَبَتِ افْعَلْ مَا تُؤْمَرُ ۖ سَتَجِدُنِي إِن شَاءَ اللَّهُ مِنَ الصَّابِرِينَ
English:
“And when he reached with him [the age of] exertion, he said, ‘O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think.’ He said, ‘O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast.'” (Quran 37:102)
This profound act of submission was then established as an eternal tradition for Muslims by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as mentioned in the hadith:
Arabic:
إِنَّ أَوَّلَ مَا نَبْدَأُ بِهِ فِي يَوْمِنَا هَذَا أَنْ نُصَلِّيَ، ثُمَّ نَرْجِعَ فَنَنْحَرَ، مَنْ فَعَلَهُ فَقَدْ أَصَابَ سُنَّتَنَا
English:
“The first thing we do on this day (Eid al-Adha) is to pray, then we return and slaughter our sacrifices. Whoever does so has acted according to our Sunnah.” (Bukhari 5545)
Why Do Muslims Avoid Cutting Hair and Nails in Dhul Hijjah?
This practice is based on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). According to a hadith:
Arabic:
إِذَا دَخَلَتِ الْعَشْرُ وَأَرَادَ أَحَدُكُمْ أَنْ يُضَحِّيَ فَلَا يَمَسَّ مِنْ شَعْرِهِ وَبَشَرِهِ شَيْئًا
English:
“When the ten days (of Dhul Hijjah) begin and one of you intends to offer a sacrifice, let him not remove anything from his hair or skin.” (Sahih Muslim 1977)
Additionally, Allah (SWT) says in the Quran about the sacredness of sacrifice:
Arabic:
لَن يَنَالَ اللَّهَ لُحُومُهَا وَلَا دِمَاؤُهَا وَلَٰكِن يَنَالُهُ التَّقْوَىٰ مِنكُمْ
English:
“Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you.” (Quran 22:37)
There are several reasons behind this tradition:
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Following the Sunnah – It is a recommended act (mustahabb) to emulate the Prophet’s way of preparing for Qurbani.
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Connection with Hajj Pilgrims – Those performing Hajj also enter a state of Ihram, where they avoid cutting hair and nails. By doing the same, other Muslims spiritually join them in devotion.
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Full Sacrifice for Allah – Letting hair and nails grow symbolizes complete submission, as the person waits until after the sacrifice to trim them.
Is It Mandatory?
Most scholars agree that this practice is recommended (Sunnah) but not obligatory. However, some scholars say that if a person has already decided to perform Qurbani, they should avoid cutting hair and nails as a sign of respect for the sacrifice.
What Should You Do?
- Check Moon Sighting Announcements – Confirm the exact start of Dhul Hijjah through local Islamic authorities.
- Cut Hair & Nails Before Dhul Hijjah Begins – If you plan to offer Qurbani, trim your hair and nails before the month starts (likely by May 27, 2025, evening).
- Avoid Cutting Until After Qurbani – Once Dhul Hijjah begins, refrain from cutting hair or nails until after your sacrifice is completed on Eid day (June 6 or 7, 2025).
Conclusion
Dhul Hijjah is a sacred month filled with blessings, culminating in Eid al-Adha, a celebration of Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) unwavering faith and Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) establishment of this noble tradition. By following this Sunnah, Muslims strengthen their connection to Allah and the Ummah while honoring the legacy of these great prophets.
Since the Islamic calendar is lunar-based, always rely on official moon sighting announcements to ensure accuracy. Prepare spiritually and physically for this blessed time, and may Allah accept our sacrifices and devotion. Ameen.