“A man, when trials beset him, is often doomed
Until he deems as fair what is not fair at all.”
And another poet said:
“It is no wonder if women should grow masculine;
What is astonishing is the feminizing of men.”
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Among the traits of the fiṭrah is trimming the nails—that is, cutting them so they are not left to grow long. This enhances one’s appearance, removes the grime that gathers beneath the nails, and keeps a person from resembling savage predators. Groups of effete youths and coarse-mannered women have defied this prophetic practice, letting their nails grow in willful opposition to the prophetic guidance and in slavish imitation of others.
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Another trait of the fiṭrah is plucking the armpit hair, i.e., removing the hair that grows under the arms. It is recommended to remove it by plucking, shaving, or any other means, for doing so brings cleanliness and eliminates the foul odor that becomes stronger when the hair is left in place.
O Muslim! Thus has our religion legislated these traits because they promote adornment and cleanliness, so that the believer may appear in the best condition and finest form, standing apart from the ways of the polytheists. Some of these practices also establish a clear distinction between men and women, so that each retains the character suited to the role ordained for them in life. Yet many deluded people, wronging their own souls, refuse all this. They insist on opposing the Messenger ﷺ, importing customs that do not accord with our religion or our Islamic identity. They have taken the rabble of the West or the East as their role models, and have exchanged what is superior for what is