Question:
As Salaamu Alaikum,
Is it permissible to dispose of cut nails and hair in running water?
Answer:
Wa Alaikum As Salaam,
It is best to dispose of the cut-nails and hair by burying them. Regarding this, it is narrated in a tradition that the Prophet (S.A.S) said, ‘Bury your blood, hair, and nails, and let not the Black Magicians play with them’. (Kanzul Umaal-Chap-Halq,Qasr and Taqseer).
In another tradition, the Prophet (S.A.S) is reported to have said, ‘Bury your nails, the hair and the blood’. (Baihaqi in Sunan Al Kubra).
The Fuqaha (jurists) and scholars have explained that based on the traditions, it is best to bury the cut-nails and hair. However, if a person throws them away, then there is no harm in doing so, but one must not throw these in dirty places like toilets, bathrooms etc. since this is Makrooh (detestable). If one throws them in clean, running water, then it will be allowed.
(Hashiya Tahtawi Ala Maraqi Al Falah, Fatawa Hindiya – Kitab An Nawazil Vol. 15 Pages 578-579 Darul Isha’at Karachi 2006).
And Allah Knows best
Mufti Waseem Khan
03/03/2020