After the Aqiqah ceremony, where a newborn's hair is shaved, Islamic tradition encourages parents to weigh the hair and give its equivalent weight in silver or gold as charity. This act symbolizes purification and the importance of helping those in need, reflecting the spirit of generosity in Islam. The hair itself can be buried, signifying respect and cleanliness, aligning with the Islamic practice of treating all parts of the human body with dignity. This ritual not only serves as a spiritual act but also reinforces the values of charity and community care.
Step 1: keep the hair clean
Once the head is shaved, the hair should be gathered in a clean cloth or small bag instead of being swept away with other trimmings. If you want to keep it, tell your barber before the shave begins, and we will collect it carefully for you.
Step 2: weigh it and give charity
Islamic tradition encourages parents to weigh the hair and give its equivalent weight in silver, or the money value, to people in need. A kitchen scale or a jeweler's scale works. The amount is usually small, so it is easy to do the same day. Families who prefer to use gold, as in the answer above, can do so as well.
Step 3: bury it, if you like
Many families bury the hair, which is a way of treating the body with respect. Some scholars say it can be disposed of in a clean, respectful way. If you want to follow a particular practice, ask your imam.
What not to do
- Do not mix it with household waste or other cuttings.
- Do not forget the charity. It is a main part of the ritual.
- Do not feel you need a special tool. A clean cloth is enough.
Our part
Our barbers work with sanitized tools and handle the baby's hair carefully. We can leave the hair with you as soon as the shave is done, so you can take it home and weigh it with your family. We serve the San Francisco Bay Area and can come to your home.
Now Serving San Francisco Bay Area
A note: We are barbers, not religious scholars. Timing, the number of animals and the details of the head shave are understood a little differently between schools of thought and families, so please check with your imam about your own situation. Our job is the haircut, done gently and on time.