When any one of you intending to sacrifice the animal enters in the month (of Dhu'l-Hijja) he should not get his hair or nails touched (cut). It was said to Sufyan that some of the (scholars) did not deem this hadith to be Maffu'. He said: But I deem it as Marfu' (i. e. chain of narration traceable right up to the Holy Prophet).
The Book of Sacrifices - Sahih Muslim 1977c
When any one of you intending to sacrifice the animal enters in the month (of Dhu'l-Hijja) he should not get his hair or nails touched (cut). It was said to Sufyan that some of the (scholars) did not deem this hadith to be Maffu'. He said: But I deem it as Marfu' (i.e. chain of narration traceable right up to the Holy Prophet).
Commentary on the Prohibition
This noble hadith establishes a significant ruling for those intending to offer the Udhiyah (sacrificial animal) during the days of Hajj. The prohibition against cutting hair and nails begins with the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhu'l-Hijjah and continues until after the sacrifice has been performed.
The wisdom behind this prohibition is to maintain the wholeness of the person making the sacrifice, drawing a parallel to the state of Ihram where the pilgrim similarly refrains from these acts. It is an act of devotion and anticipation for the ritual slaughter, increasing one's spiritual connection to the act of worship.
Scholarly Discussion on Chain of Narration
The text mentions a scholarly difference regarding whether this hadith is Maffu' (attributed to a Companion) or Marfu' (attributed directly to the Prophet). Imam Sufyan ibn Uyaynah, a great scholar of hadith, firmly held that the chain of narration reaches the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), giving it the highest level of authenticity.
This distinction is crucial in Islamic jurisprudence, as Marfu' narrations carry greater legislative weight. The majority of scholars have accepted this ruling as established Sunnah based on this and other corroborating evidence.
Practical Application
The prohibition applies specifically to the one who intends to sacrifice and has the means to do so. If multiple family members are represented by one sacrifice, the ruling applies to all of them.
Should someone forgetfully or ignorantly cut hair or nails during this period, the sacrifice remains valid, but they should seek Allah's forgiveness. The sacrifice itself is not invalidated by this act, though one has missed the opportunity for the complete reward.