"Ibn Al-Musayyab told me that Umm Salamah, the wife of the Prophet told him that the Messenger of Allah said: 'Whoever wants to offer a sacrifice, let him not remove anything from his nails or cut his hair for the first ten days Dhul-Jijjah."'
Hadith Text & Reference
"Ibn Al-Musayyab told me that Umm Salamah, the wife of the Prophet told him that the Messenger of Allah said: 'Whoever wants to offer a sacrifice, let him not remove anything from his nails or cut his hair for the first ten days Dhul-Jijjah."'
Source: Sunan an-Nasa'i 4362 | Book: The Book of ad-Dahaya (Sacrifices)
Legal Ruling & Purpose
This prohibition applies specifically to one who intends to perform the udhiyah (sacrificial offering) and commences from the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhul-Hijjah until after the sacrifice is performed. The wisdom behind this prohibition is to maintain the completeness of one's body for the sake of Allah, resembling the state of ihram in its sanctity, thereby increasing the spiritual reward and demonstrating complete submission to the Divine command.
Scholarly Consensus
The majority of scholars, including Imam Ahmad, Imam ash-Shafi'i, and many Malikis, hold this prohibition to be strongly recommended (mustahabb) rather than obligatory. However, if one intentionally removes hair or nails, the sacrifice remains valid but the person has missed the reward of following this sunnah. The Hanafi school generally does not consider this prohibition, permitting the removal.
Exceptions & Clarifications
This prohibition does not apply to those not offering sacrifice. If removal is necessary for valid reasons (medical treatment, hygiene issues, or to prevent harm), it is permitted without affecting the validity of the sacrifice. The prohibition is lifted immediately after performing the sacrifice on Eid day.