The time limit for clipping nails and the like

Question

A person needed to remove the hair below the navel, and he did so, but it did not occur to his mind that he should cut up to here, that is, all of it, from this side to that side, from the bottom to the top. Now, in cutting, he knowingly, that is, being himself compelled, leaves two or four hairs at the bottom, or they were left by themselves out of unawareness and he saw this afterwards — what can he do then, when he has already cut and become clean and tidy?

Answer

It is mustahabb and better (afdal) to remove these two or four hairs as well. The best is to remove the hair every week; otherwise, to clean oneself within fifteen days. Not removing the hair for up to forty days is a sin. The prayer of such a person is also makruh.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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