Hair Style For Males (Hair Braiding)

Question:

I was wondering if it is permissible for men to braid their hair in Islam? I’m of African decent with a mixture of Pakistan and European heritage. I n the African community even in these days it is common for men to still braid their hair,as is in some communities, tribes etc. Braiding of the hair is seen as a unisex type of hairstyle in which both men and women can wear them. I already have my hair in braids but if I convert to Islam, I want to know if I can still continue to braid my hair, or if it will not be permissible for me to do so. I also read that, the Prophet (PBUH) used to braid his hair and also his companions did so too, as it was a common practice among Arabs at the time, the messenger and his companions.

Answer:

Braiding of the hair is not a Sunnah of the Prophet (saws). However you can keep it when you accept Islam if it is traditionally known as something not contrary to the moral. It is subject to the customs and tradition of the Muslim people you belong to.

Imam Senad Agic
Head Imam (IABNA)
The Islamic Association of Bosniaks in North America
American Islamic Center – Chicago

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