The must know information on Umrah hair cutting rules for women & men If you are going for your first sacred journey or want a refreshed guide on the rituals of Umrah, it is important to learn about what needs to be done in terms of hair cutting (Halq and Taqsir) when completing your Umrah successfully.
The hair cutting after Umrah is more than symbolic — it is an act of devotion and humility. It is the pilgrim’s atonement and submission to Allah. Within this article we will breakdown the men, women rules, common errors, and what you need to do in order for your Umrah to be accepted, particularly if you are intending on doing an Umrah Tour from UK.
Importance of Hair Cutting in Umrah
Cutting hair comes last in the core rituals of Umrah which include 4: Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i (between Safa and Marwah) and cutting or shaving hair. It represents the pilgrim’s purification and spiritual rebirth. This action must be performed for the Umrah to be complete.
This ritual is much emphasized in teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and has unmistakable importance in Islam. Completing this step correctly allows pilgrims to leave the suit of Ihram and return to their normal life.
Hair Cutting Rules for Men
Men have two main options after completing their Umrah:
1. Shaving the Head (Halq)
- Highly Recommended: Shaving the entire head is considered more rewarding based on various Hadiths.
- Complete Shave: The entire scalp should be shaved cleanly. Leaving patches or partially shaving is not allowed.
- Performed by Professionals: Most pilgrims opt to get their heads shaved at designated barbers near Masjid al-Haram, ensuring it’s done correctly and hygienically.
2. Shortening the Hair (Taqsir)
- Permissible Option: If a man doesn’t wish to shave his head, he may trim his hair instead.
- Uniform Trim: Hair must be trimmed evenly from all parts of the head. It’s not enough to snip a few strands.
- Use Proper Tools: A clean, sharp pair of scissors or clippers should be used to cut the hair properly.
Key Reminders for Men
- Do not delay hair cutting after completing Sa’i.
- Avoid styles or patterns—hair cutting should not be done for fashion but solely for religious purposes.
- Shaving a small portion or random strands does not fulfill the obligation.
Hair Cutting Rules for Women
For women, the rules are different and much simpler:
1. No Shaving, Only Trimming
- Strictly Forbidden: Women are not allowed to shave their heads after Umrah.
- Trim the Ends: Women should cut a small portion (around the length of a fingertip or 1 to 2 cm) from the end of each hair lock.
- Uniform Cutting: All women should ensure the trimming is done equally across their hair, not just a few strands.
2. How Women Should Cut Their Hair
- Group Trimming: Women often gather in groups where one assists another in trimming hair properly.
- Privacy Matters: It should be done in a private or covered area, away from the view of unrelated men.
Key Reminders for Women
- Use sanitized scissors.
- Make sure every strand is trimmed to complete the Umrah correctly.
- Avoid extravagant haircuts or using the ritual as a way to get a new hairstyle.
Common Mistakes During Hair Cutting
Many pilgrims, especially first-timers from abroad like those on an Umrah Tour from UK, make small but significant mistakes during hair cutting. Here are some common errors:
- Snipping only a few hairs: Some assume cutting just a few strands is enough. This invalidates the ritual.
- Partial shaving: Men shaving only part of the head is not acceptable.
- Delaying the cutting: The hair must be cut immediately after Sa’i without unnecessary delay.
- Improper tools: Using unsanitized or blunt instruments can cause hygiene issues.
Avoid these mistakes to complete your Umrah properly.
Health and Hygiene Considerations
Since thousands of pilgrims perform hair cutting in close spaces, hygiene is very important:
- Choose Licensed Barbers: Only use licensed and authorized barbers around Haram.
- New Blade Use: Ensure that the barber uses a new, disposable blade for every customer.
- Carry Your Own Scissors: Women especially should carry their own small scissors for personal use.
- Disinfect After Cutting: Clean your scalp with antiseptic wipes or solution after shaving to prevent infections.
Hair Cutting Tips for Those on an Umrah Tour from UK
If you’re traveling from the UK for Umrah, a few extra preparations can make the hair-cutting ritual smoother:
- Book Group Packages Wisely: Many group Umrah packages include guidance sessions where they explain the correct method of hair cutting.
- Language Barriers: In busy barber shops, language can be a barrier. Learn basic Arabic phrases like “Halq” (shave) and “Taqsir” (shorten).
- Pre-Plan Hair Services: Some travel operators offer pre-arranged hair cutting services to make the process easier and safer.
- Carry Essentials: Keep small, sharp scissors and antiseptic wipes in your hand luggage for easy access after Sa’i.
Choosing a reliable Umrah Tour from UK company ensures you have proper guidance throughout these small but important rituals.
What Happens If You Forget to Cut Your Hair?
If a pilgrim forgets to cut their hair after completing Umrah:
- The pilgrim remains in the state of Ihram and all its restrictions apply.
- They must cut or shave their hair as soon as they remember.
- If a significant amount of time has passed or the person has knowingly ignored the rule, they may need to offer a sacrifice (Damm), as per scholarly opinions.
Always prioritize completing this step immediately to avoid complications.
Final Thoughts
Rewarding aspect of performing Umrah is a spiritual journey that requires attention to detail. The hair cutting ritual, while simple, is powerful. Men should also evenly shave or trim every hair, and women should modestly trim a bit of hair. For pilgrims, recognizing and adhering to these guidelines is key to having their Umrah fulfilled and virtuous.
If you are going with an Umrah Tour from UK or planning your sacred journey by your own, being aware about each ritual, particularly hair cutting, would make your experience smooth fulfilling and spiritually uplifting.
You are doing Umrah, May ALLAH accept your umrah and reward you abundantly. Ameen!
Read More: How to Book Umrah from UK?
