What is the Sunnah way of cutting one's nails?

Short answer

This ruling states that there is no authentic hadith on the method of cutting nails, so it may be done at any time and starting with any finger.

Negeri SembilanOpinion (irsyad)

A reference, not a fatwa. First sentence of the summary below — read the original fatwa and consult your state authority before acting.

Authority: Negeri Sembilan Mufti Department
Status: Opinion (irsyad)
Series: Soal Jawab Agama
Topic: Ethics, Remembrance & Supplication

No evidence of gazettement in the source — this is not a gazetted fatwa.

Summary

This ruling states that there is no authentic hadith on the method of cutting nails, so it may be done at any time and starting with any finger. However, cutting nails on Monday, Thursday and Friday is recommended, as these days are more favoured for voluntary acts of worship. It is recommended to begin with the right hand and then the left, and the right foot and then the left. Nails are trimmed so that dirt does not collect beneath them and water can reach the skin during ablution and bathing.

Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.

Tidak ada hadis sahih berkenaan persoalan dan tatacara memotong kuku dan ia boleh dilakukan pada bila-bila masa dan dimulai dengan jari manapun.

Excerpt from the original fatwa · Negeri Sembilan

Read the full fatwa on the Negeri Sembilan website (new tab)

How to cite

Cite the original fatwa and its authority. Rujuk Fatwa is only where you found it.

Negeri Sembilan Mufti Department. “Cara membuang kuku mengikut sunnah”, date not stated. https://muftins.gov.my/soaljawab/cara-membuang-kuku-mengikut-sunnah/. Found via Rujuk Fatwa: https://rujukfatwa.com/en/fatwa/how-to-cut-nails-according-to-sunnah/