Halq and Taqsir are two important rites either of which must be performed upon the completion of pilgrimage to Makkah. Performing one of these rites is obligatory for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims depending upon the type of pilgrimage. Pilgrims must be aware of Umrah haircut rules for both these rituals, the right time to perform them, Halq and Taqsir methods, duas to be said while performing them and many other things. Here’s a starter to information related to the topic.
Haircut after Umrah
Halq Meaning
Halq is the act of shaving the head completely after performing Umrah. This ritual is applicable only to men. Pilgrims need to perform this in order to exit the stage of Ihram after Tawaf.
Taqsir Meaning
Taqsir refers to minor trimming of the hair and is also recommended for women performing Umrah. Women are required to cut the hair equal to the length of their fingertip.
Umrah Haircut Importance
Umrah procedure dictates that either Halq or Taqsir must be performed by pilgrims to exit Ihram. For women, removing Ihram requires cutting their hair by the length of a fingertip. The importance of Umrah haircut rituals is highlighted through many hadiths, and is often narrated by Islamic scholars. The significance of this ritual is based on the fact that hair on one’s head is a worldly attachment with one’s appearance and vanity. In order to surrender completely to Allah, one must detach from it and follow the path of simplicity and spirituality.
As mentioned by the famous scholar Ismail Ibn Kathir (peace be upon him),
“In a dream, the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, saw himself entering Makkah and performing Tawaf around the House. He told his companions about this dream when he was still in Madinah…some of them indeed had their head hair shaved, while some of them had their head hair shortened.”
The Prophet’s dream came true during Hajjatul Wida, when he shaved his head completely. He started the Halq ritual, by first shaving the right side of his head and then moving towards the left. After completing Halq, the Prophet (PBUH) highlighted the importance of these rites by invoking mercy on those who perform Halq three times, and offered supplication once for those performing Taqsir.
Also, Abdullah ibn Umar I narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari,
“Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said, “O Allah! Be merciful to those who have their head shaved.” The people said, “O Allah’s Messenger! And (invoke Allah for) those who get their hair cut short.” The Prophet (PBUH) said, “O Allah! Be merciful to those who have their head shaved.” The people said, “O Allah’s Messenger! And those who get their hair cut short.” The Prophet said (the third time), “And to those who get their hair cut short.” Nafi said that the Prophet had said once or twice, “O Allah! Be merciful to those who get their head shaved,” and on the fourth time he added, “And to those who have their hair cut short.”
Quick haircut rules guide
| Rules | Description |
| Timing | It is recommended to have the haircut after completing all the rituals of Umrah, usually after the Tawaf and Sa’i. |
| Shaving or Trimming | Men have the option to either shave their heads completely or trim their hair. Shaving is preferred, but trimming is also acceptable. |
| Women’s Hair | Women are not required to shave or trim their hair. Instead, they should only cut a small portion of their hair, typically about the length of a fingertip. |
| Intentions (Niyyah) | The haircut should be done with the intention of fulfilling a religious act and as a symbol of humility and submission to Allah. |
| Preference for Shaving | Shaving the head is considered more virtuous, and it is symbolic of humility and equality among all pilgrims. It is also associated with the Prophet’s practice during Hajj and Umrah. |
| Location | The haircut can be done anywhere in Makkah, not necessarily at the Haram. However, many prefer to have it done within the precincts of the Haram. |
| Supplications (Dua) | While having the haircut, it is customary to recite prayers and supplications. One may ask for forgiveness, blessings, and fulfillment of personal or spiritual needs. |
| Monetary Charity (Sadaqah) | It is a common practice to give a small amount of money (sadaqah) as a charitable donation after the haircut, especially if one is shaving. This act symbolizes gratitude and the willingness to sacrifice for the sake of Allah. |
| Cleanliness | After the haircut, it is essential to ensure cleanliness by removing any leftover hair. It is also recommended to perform ablution (wudu) if needed. |
| Personal Hygiene | Pilgrims are encouraged to maintain personal hygiene during the entire Umrah journey, including after the haircut. |
Halq and Taqsir Method
To complete the pilgrimage of Umrah, one has to cut their hair as per the methods stated for men (halq) and women (taqsir) differently. Men should get their heads shaved, while women should get their hair cut short to the length of fingertips. As per halq, partial shaving of head is not valid. Also, Men with already shaven heads or having short hair should still run the razor on their heads according to the ritual.
Performing Halq for Umrah: Haircut Rules
Some of the important Umrah haircut rules are as follows:
- Women do not need to perform Halq under any situation. Only Taqsir is recommended for women.
- If you are performing Halq, the head must be shaved completely. Partial shaving is not considered.
- If a person has no hair, one must still run a razor to complete the ritual.
- One must face the Qibla and start halq or taqsir from the right side.
- Both Halq and Taqsir can be performed by the pilgrim himself/herself.
Taqsir Rules for Women
Umrah haircut rules for women are slightly different than men. Here are the key differences:
- As for women it is not advisable to perform Halq; they must perform Taqsir to be relieved from the condition of Ihram.
- When performing Taqsir, one must chop a minimum length of a fingertip from all ends of the hair.
- Even if a woman has short hair, it must be slightly cut to successfully exit the state of Ihram in order to complete your Umrah pilgrimage.
Rules for cutting nails before Umrah
- It is recommended to cut your nails and remove any unwanted hair from your body before entering into the state of Ihram.
- Use clean and sanitized nail clippers or scissors to avoid any possible infections.
- Make sure to dispose of the trimmed nails and hair properly and avoid throwing them in the sacred places.
When to perform Halq for Umrah?
Halq after Umrah is performed after the completing rituals of Ihram, Tawaf and Saee. It is known that Halq or Taqsir is necessary to be carried out to remove Ihram. Halq before Umrah is not permissible as any haircut done before performing Umrah will not be considered as Halq or Taqsir. Cutting of hair is forbidden once you wear Ihram hence it is not acceptable to perform Halq before Umrah.
Rewards for shaving head during Umrah
- Shaving the head symbolizes surrender and humility before Allah
- Shaved head represent everyone is equal in the eyes of Allah
- Act of shaving is a form of spiritual cleansing and begining of fresh life
- Shaving is a physical sacrifice in the name of Allah
- Pilgrims are encouraged to engage in supplications while shaving, seeking forgiveness, blessings, and the fulfillment of their needs
Regarding Halq for Hajj, the rules are slightly different. Depending upon the type of pilgrimage, Halq/ Taqsir must be performed at the recommended stage and location. For example, if you are performing Hajj al-Tamattu, Halq is performed twice – once during Umrah and then during Hajj. Similarly, for Hajj al-Ifrad, you should cut hair once during Hajj and then after the pelting of Jamarat al-Aqaba; and so on. Halq is performed in Mina as well as in Makkah. In Mina, there are a number of barbers, and some might be cheaper than the others. It is recommended that you opt for licenced barbers to ensure hygiene and safety.
Suggested Read: How To Perform Umrah For Women: Rituals, Restrictions And Guidelines
Halq and Taqsir Hadiths
Abdullah ibn Umar(PBUH) narrates, “Allah’s Messenger (PBUH)forbade Al-Qaza (leaving a tuft of hair here and there after shaving one’s head.)”
Hazarat Ali (PBUH) states that, “The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) forbade women to shave their heads.”
Narrated by Ali I as narrated in Sunan an-Nasa’i, “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade women to shave their heads.”
Abdullah ibn Umar I narrates as narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari, “Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) forbade Al-Qaza (leaving a tuft of hair here and there after shaving one’s head).”
In Surah al-Fath, 48:27, as mentioned in the holy Quran, “Certainly Allah had shown to His Messenger the vision with truth: you shall most certainly enter the Sacred Mosque, if Allah pleases, in security, (some) having their heads shaved and (others) having their hair cut, you shall not fear, but He knows what you do not know, so He brought about a near victory before that.”
Further, Mufassir Ismail Ibn Kathir V (PBUH) says the following about this verse, “In a dream, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) saw himself entering Makkah and performing Tawaf around the House. He told his companions about this dream when he was still in Madinah…some of them indeed had their head hair shaved, while some of them had their head hair shortened.”
As hair is one of the beloved things of an individual about their body, performing Halq and Taqsir signifies the detachment from the materialistic world. The beauty is the same as this body; it will age with time. The only truth is spiritual connection to the almighty Allah which can be attained only by leaving all the material possessions. It is therefore understood that Halq for Umrah and Taqsir for women performing Umrah are mandatory rituals and must be performed with the intention of coming closer to Allah. Hence, pilgrims are recommended to be aware of key Umrah haircut rules and perform these rituals in compliance with the rules and recommendations as explained by Islamic scholars and with utmost honesty and devotion to the Almighty.
Suggested Read: Umrah Guide 2022: Best Time, Visa, Accommodation, Essentials And More
Umrah Haircut Rules FAQs
Why do Muslims cut hair after Umrah?
The act of cutting hair after Umrah signifies the detachment from the worldly possession and submitting to the almighty Allah.
Is it mandatory to shave your head after Umrah?
Yes, in order to complete Umrah one has to cut their head as the final ritual.
How much hair should women cut after Umrah?
Women are required to cut hair by the length of their fingertips after Umrah.
Can I go to a barber in Makkah for Halq?
Barbers are divided into two categories: licensed and those who are not. Barbers that work on the side of the road typically charge up to 10 Riyals. Despite their low cost, many people advise against employing unlicensed barbers because of the health hazards. They frequently use non-sterile blades on multiple people, potentially spreading illnesses and viruses, including hepatitis and HIV. On the other hand, licensed Barbers can charge up to 30 Riyals for a shave. They employ single-use disposable blades and are screened for infectious illnesses. Thus they are significantly more expensive. They also tend to shave with greater caution. Paying a little more to prevent the risks associated with unlicensed barbers is well worth the extra money.
Is it permissible to cut my own hair for Umrah?
It is acceptable and customary practice to have your hair cut by someone else. However, the person does not need to cut their hair before cutting yours.
When should I perform Halq for Umrah?
After the Ihram, Tawaf, and Saee procedures have been completed, Al-Halq is performed. It is common knowledge that Halq or Taqsir is required to remove Ihram. Any haircut done before performing Umrah is not considered Halq or Taqsir; hence Halq before Umrah is prohibited.
What is the significance of Al-Halq?
The hair on the head is a decorative feature of the appearance, and many individuals are attached to it. During Umrah, the pilgrim tries to shed all of these attachments, which are, in most cases, impediments to spiritual growth.
What is the difference between Al-Halq and Al-Taqr?
Al-Halq (Arabic: shaving the head) and Al-Taqr (Arabic: cutting hair or nails) are two obligatory acts performed during Umrah. In some circumstances, one of them becomes mandatory. Halq and Taqsir, like the other acts of Umrah, is an act of worship that must be performed to bring one closer to Allah.
What to do if a person has no hair?
They can run a razor on the head.
Where should one face during Halq and Taqseer?
One should face towards Qibla while performing the ritual.
Can women choose between Halq and Taqsir, or is Taqsir the only option for them?
Halq which involves shaving of head is not recommended for women.
