Umrah is a special journey to Makkah and Madinah. All Muslims dream of doing this sacred activity so they can ask forgiveness for sins from Allah Almighty and strengthen their faith. When pilgrims finish Umrah, they need to cut their hair, which is known as Halq or Taqsir. Halq means shaving all the hair from the head, while Taqsir is cutting a small part of the hair, at least one inch. Men usually do Halq, and women always do Taqsir. These are very important steps, as they help end the state of Ihram. By doing Halq or Taqisr, pilgrims complete the pilgrimage right away. Are you thinking of carrying out the religious act of Umrah as a group this year?
Get group Umrah packages from a trusted agency, like Muslims Holy Travel, for a smooth trip. There are some basic haircut rules that you must follow to complete the Umrah. So, read ahead!
Why Do We Cut Hair After Umrah?
Cutting the hair after the pilgrimage is more than just a rule. It shows that the person has done the Umrah and is now clean and pure. It is like getting a fresh start in your life. The whole Umrah journey ends here at this step. It is obligatory for both men and women to cut their hair, but in different ways. Men can cut a part or shave all the hair, and women, on the other hand, only need to cut a small piece. Performing this act is in accordance with the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). You must know that the Umrah is not complete if you don’t cut your hair.
What is Halq?
Halq means shaving the whole head, and this rule is for men. It is a full shave with a machine or a razor. The head looks smooth after the activity of Halq. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that men who perform Halq will get a great reward. It shows full obedience to Allah Almighty.
What is Taqsir?
Taqsir means cutting the small part of the hair, not shaving all the hair. There is no gender difference in the case of Taqsir. Taqsir is the only choice for women since they can’t shave the whole head. That is why they must cut a little bit of hair so that their Umrah is completed.
The Importance of Halq and Taqsir
It is great if you’re planning the group Umrah 2025. Along with all other rituals, you must be familiar with Halq and Taqsir as well. To leave the Ihram after the completion of the pilgrimage, pilgrims need to perform this step. It is requisite for women to cut their hair to the length of a fingertip to exit the state of Ihram. One of the reasons why this Halq and Taqsir holds great importance is that hair on the head shows worldly attachment with one’s vanity and appearance.
لَقَدْ صَدَقَ اللَّهُ رَسُولَهُ ٱلرُّءْيَا بِٱلْحَقِّ ۖ لَتَدْخُلُنَّ ٱلْمَسْجِدَ ٱلْحَرَامَ إِن شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ آمِنِينَ مُحَلِّقِينَ رُءُوسَكُمْ وَمُقَصِّرِينَ لَا تَخَافُونَ ۚ
Surah Al-Fath (48:27)
“Certainly has Allah showed to His Messenger the vision in truth. You will surely enter al-Masjid al-Haram, if Allah wills, in safety, with your heads shaved and [hair] shortened, not fearing [anyone].”
Haircut Rules for Men After Umrah
Men have two choices: Halq (Shaving) or Taqsir (Trimming). Halq is considered a better choice as it gives more rewards. To correctly do the act of Halq, men need to follow the following rules;
- Halq is preferred, but Taqsir is also allowed, which means cutting one inch of hair.
- The hair must be cut once all the key rituals, including Tawaf and Sa’i, are performed.
- Doing the haircut before the right time is not valid. It may invalidate the pilgrimage.
- The haircut must be performed with the intention of ending Ihram and pleasing Allah.
- Hair should be trimmed, not just from one side, but from all parts of the hair.
- Using hygienic and clean tools for the haircut is very important.
- Avoid un-Islamic or fashion-based styles after doing the ritual.
- This act follows the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and symbolises purity.
Haircut Rules for Women After Umrah
If you want to ensure cost-effectiveness during the pilgrimage, get all inclusive group Umrah packages. Below are the haircut rituals women must follow so that their Umrah is completed;
- Women must do Taqsir (Trimming) after completing the pilgrimage.
- Though men can perform Halq, women can’t undertake this activity.
- Doing Taqsir before the correct time may invalidate the pilgrimage.
- Women need to cut about an inch from the ends of each hair strand.
- Hair must be trimmed evenly from all sides in order to maintain uniformity.
- The trimming can be carried out by another female or by the woman herself.
- The hair should not be cut in a modest or private setting.
- This act shows humility, purity, and obedience to Allah Almighty.
The Final Words
Cutting your hair after the pilgrimage is an important step. Men can perform both Halq as well as Taqsir. When it comes to women, only Taqsir is allowed. This is where an inch of hair is cut. Pilgrims must carry out this step after all other rituals of Umrah are complete. This helps believers come out of the state of Ihram. It also shows that your Umrah is now completed. Even though the haircut is a small act, it brings so many rewards from Allah Almighty. No matter when you go for the pilgrimage, do this act with respect in your actions and love in your heart. In case you don’t have enough time to plan the pilgrimage, get group Umrah packages to end your trip with peace of mind. May your pilgrimage be full of enrichment! May Allah bless you always!
