Is Working as a Barber Permissible in Islam?
Question
ما حكم العمل في الحلاقة؟
What is the ruling on working as a barber?
Answer
Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajma‘in.
The work of a barber (halāqah) in itself is permissible (halal) and can even be a commendable profession, as it provides a useful and dignified service to the community. The Prophet ﷺ himself had his hair trimmed and cared for, and he did not prohibit people from earning a living through lawful grooming work.
However, like many professions, the ruling depends on the nature of what is done within the job.
1. When Barbering Is Permissible
Working as a barber is permissible when the work involves:
- Cutting or grooming hair in styles that are modest and not imitating immoral or prohibited trends,
- Serving both men and women separately, with no touching between non-mahram genders,
- Avoiding shaving the beard completely, as this is discouraged or prohibited according to most scholars,
- Avoiding participation in any haram-related services (e.g., tattooing, eyebrow shaping, etc.).
If one works in such an environment, his income is halal and his work is permissible.
2. When Barbering Becomes Prohibited
It becomes haram when it involves:
- Shaving or styling in a way that imitates immoral fashions,
- Touching or grooming members of the opposite gender,
- Providing services that are prohibited in Islam, such as trimming or shaping women’s eyebrows, or tattooing.
The usuli principle applies:
الوسائل لها أحكام المقاصد “Means take the ruling of their ends.”
If the act leads directly to something haram, then the means itself becomes haram.
Final Ruling
Working as a barber is permissible and halal when done within the boundaries of Shari‘ah maintaining modesty, avoiding haram actions, and upholding professional ethics.
If the work involves shaving beards, imitating forbidden styles, or physical contact with the opposite gender, then it becomes impermissible to that extent.
And Allah knows best.