What is the ruling on Qaz’? Qaz’ means when a man shaves parts of his head and leaves other parts unshaved.

Answer

Praise Be to Allah and Peace Be Upon His Messenger.

Initially, Qaz’ means shaving the sides of the head and leaving the top or shaving different parts leaving other parts unshaved. Muslim scholars have agreed that doing this is hated in Islam as the prophet prevented Muslims from doing that. He (PBUH) said: “Shave all of it, or leave all of it.” He means the head. Related by Muslim.

The reason behind this ruling (prohibition) is that Qaz’ could distort the creation of Allah. Some said it is because it makes a man look like Satan or disbelievers and devilish people. If one intends to do it to imitate the disbelievers, then it is haram. The prophet (PBUH) said: “Whoever copies (imitates) people, then s/he is considered one of them.” Related by Abu Dawood.

Originally, a true Muslim should abandon or leave whatever is prohibited by the Messenger of Allah. Abu Huraira reported that the prophet said: “If I forbid you to do something, then stay away from it. And if I order you to do something, then do it as much as you can. Verily, what destroyed the older nations is their excessive questions and disagreements with their prophets.”  Related by Bukhari.