Is maintaining hair better than removing it?
Chapter on Utensils
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
Maintaining hair is preferred over shaving it. Imam Ahmad considered taking hair a good Sunnah, stating that if possible, he would adopt it. Evidence for this practice includes that the Prophet (peace be upon him) had long hair (*jummah*), and nine of the Companions also had long hair, with ten having *jumaam* (long, flowing hair). Descriptions of the Prophet's hair varied, stating it reached his earlobes or shoulders. Al-Bara' ibn 'Azib narrated that he had never seen anyone with long hair (*limmah*) in red clothing more beautiful than the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), whose hair reached his shoulders, which is agreed upon (Muttafaq 'alayh). It is recommended that a person's hair, when long, reach the shoulders, and when short, reach the earlobes, following the description of the Prophet’s hair.
Supporting text
If the hair is grown long, there is no issue, a position explicitly stated by Imam Ahmad. Abu 'Ubaydah and 'Uthman both had hair styled in two braids (*'uwaysatan*). Waa'il ibn Hujr reported that when he came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) with long hair, the Prophet said, "*Dhubab dhubab*" (an expression suggesting annoyance), leading him to cut his hair. The next day, when he returned, the Prophet approved of the change by saying, "I did not harm you," which is considered a sound narration (Hasan) reported by Ibn Majah.