Halq & Taqsir: Essential Rites of Hajj and Umrah
Halq (الحلق)** refers to the complete shaving of the head, while **Taqsir (التقصير)** involves trimming the hair by at least an inch. Both are obligatory acts required to exit the state of Ihram during Hajj or Umrah.
Significance of Halq and Taqsir
In the Quran, Allah confirms the vision shown to His Messenger:
“لَقَدْ صَدَقَ اللّٰهُ رَسُولَهُ الرُّؤْيَا بِالْحَقِّ لَتَدْخُلُنَّ الْمَسْجِدَ الْحَرَامَ إِنْ شَاءَ اللّٰهُ آمِنِينَ مُحَلِّقِينَ رُءُوسَكُمْ وَمُقَصِّرِينَ لَا تَخَافُونَ فَعَلِمَ مَا لَمْ تَعْلَمُوا فَجَعَلَ مِنْ دُونِ ذَلِكَ فَتْحًا قَرِيبًا”
Ibn Kathir elaborates on this verse, recounting the Prophet Muhammad’s vision of entering Makkah and performing Tawaf, which eventually manifested with some Muslims shaving their heads and others shortening their hair as part of the ritual.
During the Farewell Pilgrimage, the Prophet (ﷺ) himself opted for Halq, starting from the right side of his head, showing a preference for shaving over trimming. He invoked Allah’s mercy more fervently
for those who shaved their heads compared to those who trimmed, highlighting the greater virtue associated with Halq.
Rulings and Method
- Performing Halq or Taqsir is mandatory for exiting Ihram.
- If opting for Halq, the entire head must be shaved. The Prophet (ﷺ) forbade leaving patches of hair, ensuring uniformity in shaving.
- It is recommended to start the shaving or trimming process facing the Qibla, beginning from the right side of the head. Anas ibn Malik reported how the Prophet (ﷺ) had his hair shaved by a barber at Mina after performing sacrificial rituals.
- For those without hair, merely passing a razor over the scalp is sufficient.
- The minimum requirement for Taqsir is trimming enough hair so that it is evident that hair has been removed, generally at least an inch.
- Both men and women can perform the cutting themselves or have someone else do it for them.
- Post-Hajj, while other Ihram restrictions are lifted after Halq or Taqsir, marital relations are only permitted after completing Tawaf al-Ziyarah.
Trimming Hair for Women in Hajj and Umrah
Halq (shaving the head) is prohibited for women.
According to a hadith narrated by Ali I, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ expressly forbade women from
shaving their heads:
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ forbade women to shave their heads.”
[Narrated in Sunan an-Nasa’i]
Guidelines for Women:
- Trimming the Hair: Women should trim approximately an inch from their hair’s end to fulfill the requirements for leaving the state of Ihram. This is necessary even if the hair is very short.
- Timing: It’s crucial to remember to cut your hair before returning to your accommodation post-Umrah or Hajj, as forgetting to do so can lead to penalties for remaining in the state of Ihram.
- Menstruation: Women in the state of menstruation are also required to cut their hair as part of completing their religious duties.
When and Where to Trim Hair:
- Umrah: Hair should be trimmed once after performing Sa’i.
- Hajj al-Tamattu: Hair is trimmed twice; once during Umrah and once after the completion of Hajj.
- Hajj al-Qiran and Hajj al-Ifrad: Hair should be trimmed after the Hady is completed or post the pelting at Jamarat al-Aqaba.
- Deadline: The hair must be trimmed by sunset on the 12th of Dhul Hijjah; delaying beyond this time can incur penalties.
- Location: Hair cutting can be performed in Makkah, Mina, or Muzdalifah, ideally in Mina for those performing Hajj.
Choosing a Barber:
- Licensed vs. Unlicensed Barbers:** Licensed barbers are preferable due to hygiene and health safety. They use disposable blades and adhere to health regulations, charging around 30 riyals. Unlicensed barbers, while cheaper, pose health risks as they may use non-sterile blades on multiple customers.
- Barber Shops Location:** Many licensed barber shops are available within the Zamzam Towers, Hilton shopping complex, and al-Safwa Towers. Additional barbers can be found near the Marwa door of Masjid al-Haram.
- DIY Hair Cutting:** You can also bring your own hair clippers or ask the barber to use your personal grooming tools to avoid health risks.
Tips for a Safe Haircut:
- Opt for licensed barbers over roadside unlicensed options.
- Ensure that new, disposable blades are used for each customer.
- Consider bringing your own clippers or razors to ensure hygiene.
- Do not share personal grooming tools to avoid health risks.