Is there a Hadith where Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) prohibited cutting nails on Wednesday or any other day?
Answer
I have not come across a Hadith prohibiting the clipping of one’s nails on a Wednesday. However ‘Allamah Sakhawi (rahimahullah) has stated that there is no authentic narration which states any specific day or specific way of clipping one’s nails. Hafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) has also echoed similar sentiments.
(Al Maqasidul Hasanah, Hadith: 772, Fathul Bari, under Hadith: 5889)
Imam Bayhaqi (rahimahullah) has recorded two weak narrations, which state that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would prefer to trim his nails on a Friday.
(Refer: Fathul Bari)
Hafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) has quoted few statements of the scholars of the past stating that it is preferable for one to clip ones nails on a Friday. He then goes on to say that clipping ones nails on a Friday falls under the fact that we are commanded to cleanse ourselves thoroughly on a Friday. Imam Ahmad (rahimahullah), in one of his views, has also deemed it Sunnah to clip one’s nails on a Friday.
(Fathul Bari, under Hadith: 5889)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar