Question:
Respected scholars, as-Salamu `alaykum wa Rahmatullah wa Barakatuh. I'd like to know how to dispose of fallen hair and nails. Shall I bury them? Jazakum Allah Khayran
Answer:
Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Dear brother in Islam, we appreciate the confidence you put in us as well as the wonderful question you have posed. May Allah bless your efforts in pursuit of knowledge!
No wonder, Islam deals with all aspects of life, major and minor. Muslims are required to adhere to the Islamic way of life in all their affairs.
As regards your question, we'd like to cite the following Fatwa issued by Sheikh M. S. Al-Munajjid, a prominent Saudi Islamic lecturer and author:
"There is no basis for saying that one must say bismillah (in the Name of Allah) three times over nails or hair before throwing them away, otherwise the Shaytan (Satan) will use them. It is also not correct to say that they must be buried; a Hadith narrated concerning that is very weak.
It is permissible to throw them in the garbage or down the drain, or to bury them. If a person fears that they may fall into the hands of those who practice sihr (sorcery), then he should dispose of them in a place where they will not be able to get hold of them."
Allah Almighty knows best
Fatawa Issuing Body : Islam online
Author/Scholar : Muhammad Saleh Al-Munajjid
Date Of Issue : 28/Sep/2003