Question
Reference number: 126344 | Clothing and Accessories Legislations | Jan. 10, 2019
What is the ruling on removing the hair of chest, abdomen and shoulders for men?
Answer
Praise Be to Allah and Peace Be Upon His Messenger.
Referring to your question, removing the hair of chest, abdomen and shoulders for men is allowed in Islam as long as there will be no negative consequences which may cause harm to their bodies. Originally this is permissible as there is no clear evidence which says it is haram whether a person uses traditional or modern ways of removal.
Shaikh Muhammad Ahmad Hussain, the General Mufti (Muslim Legal Scholar), in the Palestinian Legal Verdict Council issued a verdict which states that removing the hair from arms, legs, back, chest and armpits is permissible as long as there will be no harm. However, if there will be consequent harm, or if one wants to remove the hair which should not be removed as eyebrows, or if the removal will lead to haram seeing – looking-, or if it leads to touching the ‘Awra once one wants to remove the hair of pubes, then it is not allowed.
Allah says: “Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts). That is purer for them. Verily, Allah is All-Aware of what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent.” An-Noor: 30-31
This ruling is not specific for men; it is also given to women.