Clipping the nails is amongst the ten natural practices of man. The following Hadith throws more light on this issue:
Hazrat Aisha (RA) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said : “Ten things are amongst the natural acts: Trimming the moustache, lengthening the beard, using a Miswak, rinsing the nostrils with water and cleaning it, washing the joints of the fingers, removal of the hair of the armpits, removal of the hair below the navel, istinja, and gargling the mouth.” (Muslim)
There is no prescribed Sunnah method of clipping the finger and toenails. Some Islamic Jurists have recommended that:
Right Hand - First
1. Commence clipping from the index finger
2. move towards the little finger
3. then the thumb
Left Hand - Second
4. clip from the index finger
5. move to the little finger
6. then the thumb
Clipping the toenails:
1. commence from the little toe of the right foot; and
2. move towards the little toes of the left foot. (Mirqat)
The nails should be clipped every two weeks, preferably on a Friday before Jumuah and should not be left for more than 40 days as is stated in the Hadith. (Muslim)
Unfortunately Muslims have become negligent of this important aspect of personal hygiene and cleanliness. It is important that we become more aware of and particular regarding this vital issue.