Halq (shaving the head) and Taqsir (trimming the hair) are obligatory concluding rites of both Hajj and Umrah. A pilgrim cannot exit the state of Ihram without performing one of these acts. Collectively, they mark Tahallul, the transition from ritual restriction back to normal lawful activities.

Beyond their legal requirement, Halq and Taqsir represent humility, obedience, and spiritual renewal, symbolizing the shedding of ego, appearance, and worldly attachment after completing the sacred journey.

Meaning and Spiritual Significance

Allah says in the Quran:

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 ❁

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.
[Surah al-Fath, 48:27]

What is Halq?

Halq (الحلق) means shaving the entire head using a razor. It applies only to men and is the most virtuous option when completing Hajj or Umrah.

What is Taqsir?

Taqsir (التقصير) refers to trimming the hair by a required minimum amount. It applies to both men and women, although it is the only permissible option for women.

Why Halq Is Preferred for Men

The preference for Halq is firmly established in the Sunnah. The Prophet ﷺ repeatedly invoked Allah’s mercy for those who shaved their heads before mentioning those who trimmed, highlighting the greater spiritual reward of complete submission and humility.

Halq & Taqsir Rulings for Men

Halq (Shaving the Head)

• Shaving must include the entire scalp
• Partial shaving is invalid or disliked in many schools
• Even men with no visible hair must pass a razor over the head
• Represents the highest level of devotion

Taqsir (Trimming the Hair)

• A valid alternative for men
• Hair must be trimmed from all sides of the head
• Often chosen by those performing multiple Umrahs

Bald or Very Short Hair

If trimming is not possible, Halq becomes obligatory by running a razor over the scalp.

Halq & Taqsir Rulings for Women

Why Halq Is Prohibited for Women

Women are explicitly forbidden from shaving their heads. This ruling preserves dignity while maintaining the symbolic meaning of sacrifice.

Correct Method of Taqsir for Women

• Gather the hair
• Trim approximately a fingertip’s length (2–3 cm) from the ends
• All hair sections must be included
• Applies even during menstruation

How Much Hair Must Be Cut? (Fiqh Differences)

Scholars differ on the minimum valid amount, but consensus exists that removing hair is mandatory.

• Hanafi: At least ¼ of the head
• Maliki & Hanbali: Hair must be removed from the entire head
• Shafi‘i: A minimum of three strands, though disliked to limit it

Best Practice:
To remain valid across all schools, men should shave fully or trim evenly from the entire head.

Recommended: Maqam Ibrahim

When to Perform Halq or Taqsir

During Umrah

• Performed after Sa’i between Safa and Marwa
• Immediately lifts all Ihram restrictions

During Hajj (10th of Dhul Hijjah)

The Sunnah order is:

1. Rami (stoning Jamarat al-Aqabah)
2. Hady (sacrifice, where applicable)
3. Halq or Taqsir

After this, the pilgrim enters first Tahallul, where all restrictions are lifted except marital relations, which become lawful only after Tawaf al-Ziyarah.

Method and Sunnah Etiquettes

• Face the Qiblah
• Begin from the right side
• Avoid Al-Qaza (patchy shaving)
• Saying Allahu Akbar and making personal du‘a is recommended

Where to Perform Halq & Taqsir

Hair may be cut in Makkah, Mina, or Muzdalifah, with Mina being Sunnah for Hajj pilgrims.

Licensed barbers are strongly recommended:

• Use single-use blades
• Maintain hygiene
• Reduce risk of infection

Pilgrims may also cut their own hair or bring personal equipment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting to cut hair after Umrah (especially women)
• Performing Halq before Sa’i
• Partial shaving
• Using unlicensed roadside barbers
• Assuming Ihram ends automatically without hair removal

Recommended: What Is Mustahabb in Islam?

FAQs

Is Halq mandatory?
Yes. Either Halq or Taqsir is mandatory to exit Ihram.

Can I cut my own hair?
Yes. Self-cutting or assistance from others is permitted.

Is there a specific du‘a?
No fixed du‘a, but personal supplication is encouraged.

What if hair is extremely short?
A razor must still be passed over the head.