Question

If a person cuts his nails on a Friday, he will be protected until the following Friday. Is this Hadith authentic?

Answer

Imam Tabarani (rahimahullah) has recorded this narration in his Al Mu’jamul Awsat. However it has been reported via an extremely weak chain. The Hadith is therefore not suitable to quote.

(Al Mu’jamul Awsat, Hadith: 4743. Refer: Lisanul Mizan, vol. 1, pg. 414 -number 417-)

Although this Hadith with this particular virtue is not suitable to quote, the ‘Ulama have stated that it is preferable to clip one’s nails on a Friday (based on other narrations). See here for more details.

And Allah Knows best,

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar