The final step of Umrah is Halq (shaving) or Taqsir (trimming), which involves cutting the hair as an act of humility and submission to Allah. This ritual symbolizes the pilgrim’s purification and the completion of their Umrah. It marks the end of the state of Ihram, allowing the pilgrim to return to their normal state.
Shaving or Trimming the Hair for Men
For men, they have the option to either:
Halq (Shaving the Head):
Halq involves completely shaving the head, removing all the hair. This is considered the most virtuous option for men, as it reflects a greater level of humility and dedication to Allah.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) prayed three times for mercy upon men who shaved their heads after completing Umrah or Hajj, and once for those who trimmed their hair, indicating the higher merit of shaving.
Shaving should be done carefully, ensuring the entire head is cleanly shaved, either by oneself or by a barber.
Taqsir (Trimming the Hair):
Men who prefer not to shave their heads can opt for Taqsir, which is trimming the hair. It is recommended to cut at least a small portion of hair from all over the head.
Trimming is a valid and easier option for men, especially for those who are performing multiple Umrahs in a short period and do not want to shave their heads repeatedly.
Shaving or Trimming the Hair for Women
For women, the ritual is limited to Taqsir only:
Women are required to trim a small portion of their hair, about the length of a fingertip (approximately one inch). They gather their hair and cut it evenly from the ends.
Shaving the head is not required or recommended for women. The act of trimming represents modesty and submission, as with the male version of the ritual.
Completion of Umrah
After the hair is shaved or trimmed, the state of Ihram is lifted, and the pilgrim is now free from the restrictions that applied during the pilgrimage. At this point, the Umrah is complete, and the pilgrim can resume normal activities, such as wearing regular clothes, applying perfume, and engaging in other everyday actions that were previously prohibited in Ihram.
Conclusion
The act of Halq or Taqsir represents the culmination of the Umrah pilgrimage, symbolizing humility, renewal, and the purification of the soul. It is a physical and outward sign of the spiritual transformation that the pilgrim has undergone during the pilgrimage. By shaving or trimming their hair, pilgrims complete their journey with a sense of fulfillment and closeness to Allah, marking the end of their sacred Umrah experience