We grow hair on our chest and those hairs are attractive to some and unattractive to others. For this reason, we want to cut and shave the chest hair, but we do not know what is the rule of cutting the chest hair in Islam. So we ask the question – is it haram to shave chest hair?
In this post, we are not allowed to shave chest hair? I will discuss this clearly and in writing. I will try to add value to the post by adding Quranic Sunnah guidance, in the opinion of Islamic scholars. Hope you will be blessed to get your desired answer.
Is it Haram to shave chest hair?
No, it is not haram to shave the chest hair. Because Islam has always encouraged beauty and guided people towards beauty. And chest hair is unsightly in many cases. So you can save your chest hair if you want. It is not haram for you.
The Qur’an and Hadith do not forbid the shaving of chest hair. And what the Qur’an and Hadith do not expressly forbid, is generally permissible. That is why we cannot say that shaving the chest hair is haram. Because we do not have a strong enough reference to say that it is haram.
None of the Companions of the Prophet – may God bless him and grant him peace – or any Islamic scholar from the early days of Islam until now has given the opinion that shaving the chest hair is haram.
So no scholar at present has the right to say that these hairs cannot be saved. We have been getting the statement of Islam in the past, that chest hair can be shaved. We accept that.
Shaykh Usaimin said that shaving the chest hair is not haram
Shaykh Saleh al-Uthaymeen said that it is not haram to shave the chest hair if necessary. he mentioned in the 11th volume of his Fatawa in Babu ‘Adabil Fitrah that there are three types of hair on the human or male body. For example:-
- Regarding the type of fur or fur that Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala has directly instructed or said to leave. For example, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala has ordered men to leave beards and women to leave hair on their heads.
- All the furs that Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala has made clear through the evidence must be clipped or shortened. For example, armpit hair, hair below the navel, etc.
- Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala is silent about the type of fur or hair which means He has not given any clear rules. In all cases where there was no clear ruling, the Messenger of Allah, may God bless him and grant him peace, said:
وَمَا سَكَتَ عَنهُ فَهُوَ عَفْوٌ , فَاقَلُوا مِنَ اللهِ عَافِيَتَه وَمَا كَانَ رَبُّك نَسِيَّا
“Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala has not given instructions or statements about what is halal or haram, then that is forgiveness. So accept Allah’s forgiveness.” (Your Lord is not forgetful about this.) (Musnad Ahmad 2/406, Darakutni 2/137) Shaykh Al-Albani (RA) called this hadith Hasan.
Because Allah Rabbul ‘Alamin is not oblivious to any of his servants, let alone the rules of the Shari’ah. So it is clear that Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala knowingly kept silent about this and did not give any provisions.
Acceptable words about shaving chest hair
There is no clear guidance in the Qur’an and Hadith regarding hair on the arms, legs, and chest of men and women. Therefore, Shaykh Muhammad Saleh Al-Uthaymeen (R.A.) said that if the hair on the hands and feet looks uncomfortable, it is not haram to shave it.
And if it is normal, then it is better to leave the hairs in their condition. Because, although Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala has not given clear instructions here, still the normal situation is not to make any changes in the Fitrat given by Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala or in the creation of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala. So it is better to leave it as it is.
But it is permissible to shorten it in cases where it is excessive or seems contrary to beauty. So if someone shaves the hair off his arms, legs, or chest then it is not haram for him. But it is better to leave it as it is. Because Allah Rabbul ‘Alamin chose it for him.
So if you accept this choice then it is best for you. But since there is no clear nos or evidence in this regard in the Quran and Hadith, if someone cuts them, it is not impermissible for him, it is not forbidden or haram.
How to shave chest hair in Islam? 6 methods
- Niyyah (Intention): Start with a sincere intention. Before you begin, express your intention to groom yourself in accordance with cleanliness and personal hygiene.
- Halal Tools: Use a razor and grooming tools made from halal materials. Ensure they are free from any prohibited substances, adhering to Islamic guidelines.
- Wudhu (Ablution): Perform wudhu before shaving. This ensures you are in a state of ritual purity, which is important in Islam.
- Follow Sunnah: Shaving unwanted hair aligns with the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Following his example personal grooming is encouraged in Islam.
- Privacy: Choose a private space to carry out the grooming process. Modesty is valued in Islam, and maintaining privacy during personal grooming is consistent with this principle.
- Gratitude: Express gratitude to Allah for providing you with the means to groom yourself. Acknowledge the blessings and take a moment to be thankful.
FAQs
Does having chest hair increase female addiction?
The idea that chest hair could increase female attraction is subjective and varies among individuals. Preferences for physical features, including body hair, differ greatly among people. Some individuals may find chest hair attractive, while others may prefer a smoother look.
Attraction is a complex interplay of various factors, including personal preferences, cultural influences, and individual tastes. It’s essential to recognize that there is no universal standard for attractiveness, and what one person finds appealing may not be the same for another.
It’s crucial to focus on personal comfort and confidence rather than conforming to specific societal expectations. Ultimately, the key to any successful relationship is open communication and understanding between partners, valuing each other for who they are as individuals.
Is it haram for women to shave their chest hair?
In Islam, there is no explicit haram for women to remove hair from their bodies, including chest hair. Personal grooming, including the removal of unwanted hair, is generally permissible as long as it is not done with the intention of imitating the opposite gender (men).
It’s important to note that cultural norms and interpretations of religious teachings may vary, and some scholars or communities may have different perspectives on certain practices. However, in general, Islam allows for personal grooming as long as it does not involve imitating the opposite gender or involve any prohibited actions.
Is there any benefit to shaving chest hair in Islam?
Islam places great emphasis on personal grooming and cleanliness. However, there are no specific guidelines for shaving chest hair. The general principle is to maintain cleanliness and personal hygiene.
It is important to maintain cleanliness and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Because he encouraged Muslims to remove unwanted hair.