Is it permissible to trim the deceased's fingernails if they are long?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Funerals

Book 7 · Issue 6 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

There are two transmitted opinions regarding the deceased's long fingernails. One view states they should not be trimmed, but the dirt underneath them should be cleaned using a toothpick (khilal), as the nail does not protrude prominently like the mustache, thus requiring no cutting. The second view states they must be trimmed if excessive, because removing them is part of the Sunnah and causes no harm, making it prescribed like trimming the mustache.

Supporting text

The first opinion may be restricted to cases where the nails are not excessively long.