What constitutes the ten acts of Al-Fitra?

Chapter on Utensils

Al-Mughni

Book of Purification

Book 2 · Issue 2 · Bab 3

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The ten acts of Al-Fitra include clipping the mustache, allowing the beard to grow naturally (i'fā' al-liħya), using the siwak (tooth-cleaning stick), rinsing the nose with water (istinsħāq al-Mā'), trimming the nails, washing the knuckles (ghasl al-Barājim), plucking the armpit hair, shaving the pubic area (ħalq al-'Ānah), and washing away impurities with water (intiqāṣ al-Mā', interpreted as Istinjā'). Some narrators mention forgetting the tenth, possibly substituting it with rinsing the mouth (al-Maðmaðah). This is narrated from Aisha through 'Abdullah ibn al-Zubayr.

Supporting text

A narration from Ibn 'Abbas mentions five matters all related to the head, specifying combing (al-Farq) and omitting allowing the beard to grow naturally. Imam Ahmad considers combing to be a Sunnah, stating the Prophet (PBUH) performed it and commanded it.