❀ Question:
What is the Sunnah method of cutting nails? Is there any authenticity to the specific sequence for cutting fingernails shown in viral social media images?
❖ Answer by:
Al-ʿĀlim al-Faḍīl Ḥāfiẓ Khidr Ḥayāt (حفظه الله)
◈ Nail Cutting: A Sunnah and Natural Practice
Cutting the nails is a Sunnah and a part of fitrah (natural disposition).
It is Sunnah to begin with the right hand, as the Prophet ﷺ used to prefer the right side in all matters.
◈ The Issue of a Specific Sequence:
The specific sequences and patterns for cutting fingernails as circulated on social media — such as numbered illustrations indicating a fixed order — have no basis in authentic ḥadīth.
Imām al-ʿIrāqī (رحمه الله) stated:“لم يثبت في كيفية تقليم الأظفار حديث يعمل به”
(Ṭarḥ al-Tathrīb: 2/77)
“There is no authentic Hadith that establishes a specific method of cutting the nails which can be acted upon.”
Ibn Daqīq al-ʿĪd (رحمه الله) said:“كل ذلك لا أصل له، وإحداث استحباب لا دليل عليه، وهو قبيح عندي بالعالم”
(Fatḥ al-Bārī by Ibn Ḥajar: 10/345)
“All such methods have no basis. To declare something as recommended or Sunnah without evidence is an inappropriate act, particularly for a scholar.”
◈ Summary:
① Starting with the right hand when cutting nails is Sunnah.
② The popular sequences or patterns of cutting nails found in viral posts have no Shar‘i basis.
③ It is incorrect to label such methods as Sunnah or recommended (mustaḥabb) without authentic evidence.
