Elderly woman trimming her hair due to stroke

Question

My grandmother suffered a stroke and is unable to care for herself. She is finding difficulty combing her hair as her hand is not fully functional. In this instance, can she have her hair cut (to approximately shoulder length) to make it easier for her to maintain? It easily knots up and causes her discomfort when we assist her to brush it.

Mufti Mohammed Desai · Accepted Answer

We understand that your grandmother suffered a stroke and is unable to comb her hair. May Allah Ta’ala make it easy for her and the family and grant her complete Shifa. Ameen! However, this is not a valid reason to cut her hair.

If a person suffers a stroke and is perhaps bedridden, then we wouldn’t state that she doesn’t have to perform Salaah as she cannot walk to the bathroom to make Wudhu. In this instance, the water will be brought to the bed and she will be assisted to perform Wudhu, and Salaah will be performed according to her ability, either by sitting on the bed or even lying down, if she is unable to sit and perform Salaah. Hence, the laws of Shariah will be upheld in all conditions.

In her instance, either one of the family members should assist her daily to comb her hair, just as they may be assisting her with other matters. Or, a full-time helper could be employed to see to her needs. The helper will then neaten and comb her hair on a regular basis as required. In conclusion, she should maintain her hair length in all situations as far as possible.

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