What is the required expiation (Fidya) when a pilgrim removes hair or nails due to an underlying physical affliction?
Chapter on What the Muhrim Must Avoid and What is Permissible for Him
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
If a pilgrim has an excuse, such as illness or lice, necessitating hair removal, removal is permitted based on Quran 2:196 and the Hadith. If the harm results directly from the hair itself, such as hair growing into the eye or eyebrows covering the eyes, the pilgrim may remove the offending hair without expiation, similar to driving away a predatory animal. However, if the harm is external to the hair, but the hair removal is necessary to remove that external harm (like lice, scalp sores, or intense heat due to excessive hair), then expiation is obligatory. This is because the hair is being cut to remove another's harm, resembling eating hunted game out of necessity.
Supporting text
Lice are not considered a direct result of the hair itself but rather inhabit the location of the hair. Heat is attributed to the season, not solely the hair, as hair does not cause harm in cold weather.