Is it permissible to open a 'barber shop' or have shares in it? Keeping in mind the issue of shaving and the qaza' haircut
Question:
Is it permissible to open a 'barber shop' or have shares in it? Keeping in mind the issue of shaving and the qaza' haircut
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
According to Shariah, it is permissible for a male to shave his hair. This is premised on numerous narrations of the Sahabah Radhiyyallahu Anhum and Rasullullah Sallalahu Alayhi Wa Sallam which states that they trimmed, cut or shaved their hair. A hairstyle forms a major part of the characteristics of an individual to such an extent that the persona of an individual is deeply influenced by the hairstyle one keeps.
Nevertheless, as Muslims we should seek to protect our identity at all times and seek to follow the sterling example of the Sahabah Radhiyyallahu Anhum and the pious servants of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala who are our shining stars. We should adopt the Sunnah in every aspect of our lives such that we live and die with the Sunnah of our beloved Rasullullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam.
In principle, according to Shariah, a haircut resembling that of the Kuffar and non-Muslims (Tashabbuh) or any specific misguided and deviated group(Fussaq) will be permissible. A Qaza haircut (partially shaved) is also impermissible.
With regards to your specific query, it will not be permitted to invest in a barber shop in general since the activities of the barber shop would be unregulated in conducting impermissible activities such as shaving the beard, intermingling of the genders and arranging impermissible haircuts, etc. You refer to the Qaza haircut which has been explicitly prohibited in Shariah. Consider the following narration:
Translation: Umar bin Nāfi’ that Nāfi’ narrates that Ibn Umar Radhiallahu Anhuma said: Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam prohibited us from Qaza’. Ibn Nāfi’ enquired: what is Qaza’? He replied: “To shave one part of a child’s head and leave the remaining part unshaven.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Pg. 1201, Vol.20)
Nevertheless, if the activities of the barber shop are regulated in line with Shariah, then it will be permitted to invest in such a barber shop. You should also seek expert Shariah guidance to ensure the activities are shariah compliant and that the underlying investment agreement is also shariah compliant.
and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best
(Mufti) Ismail Desai
Chairman of Shariah Board and Fatwa Committee
Darul Iftaa, Durban, South Africa
Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this answer belong only to the author and do not in any way represent or reflect the views of any organizations to which he may be affiliated with. The opinions and educational information proffered in this communication are based on the jurisprudential understanding and available knowledge of the author. Given that contemporary issues and interpretations of contemporary issues are subjective in nature, another scholar may reach different juristic inferences and conclusions to those as expressed by the author. Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure total academic integrity and honesty, the author is open to corrective measures based on sound academics and juristic inferences. The Shari’ah ruling given herein is based specifically on the specific scenario in question. The author bears no responsibility towards any party that acts or does not act on this answer and is exempted from any and all forms of loss or damage. This answer may not be used as evidence in any court of law without prior written consent from the author. Any or all links provided in our emails, answers and articles are restricted to the specific material being cited. Such referencing should not be taken as an endorsement of other contents of that website.
Browse next Fataawa