Introduction to Halq and Taqsir in Umrah
Halq or Taqsir is the final ritual of Umrah that concludes the Umrah and ends the restrictions of Ihram state. However, the rules of performing Halq or Taqsir are a bit different for men and women that often confuses first-time pilgrims. For example, men can either perform Halq or Taqsir while women only have to perform Taqsir.
But the question is:
- Which one should pilgrims choose?
- How much hair are recommended to cut?
- how to perform Halq or Taqsir step by step?
Well, this post is all about such concerns that you should read to have a better understanding.
What is the Meaning of Halq and Taqsir?
The word Halq literally means "to shave". In Islamic Shari'a, Halq is a practice of shaving the entire head for pilgrims after completing Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage. On the other side, Taqsir means to "shorten". And in Islamic Shari'a, it's a practice of trimming hair rather than shaving the entire head after completing the pilgrimage.
However, the purpose of both these hair cutting practices is the same as it's a symbolic exit of Ihram restrictions. And it's an act of worship as well showing humility and modesty.
Quranic and Sunnah Reference about Halq and Taqsir
Both Quran and Sunnah are evident that Halq or Taqsir is an essential ritual of pilgrimage. In Surah Al-Fath (48:27), Allah describes that believers enter Masjid al-Haram with their shaved heads or shortened hair without fear.
Similarly, the practice of shaving head after performing pilgrimage is evident from authentic Ahadith as well. In fact, the Holy Prophet emphasized Halq over Taqsir. According to Hadith, it has been narrated that the Holy Prophet made Dua three times for those who shaved their heads and only once for those who shortened their hair.
Therefore, cutting hair isn't an optional ritual but a significant act in both Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. However, shortening hair is also an option in some cases showing mercy and flexibility in Islam.
Why Halq or Taqsir is an Essential Ritual of Umrah & Hajj
Halq or Taqsir is a final ritual of an Umrah journey that pilgrims perform to exit the Ihram state. It's permissible for men to perform either Halq or Taqsir after performing Tawaf and Sa'i. However, it's necessary to trim a significant amount of hair for men when it comes to performing Taqsir. However, women only have to perform Taqsir. They don't have to cut a significant amount of hair but only up to the length of a fingertip as part of Umrah & Hajj.
Spiritual Significance of Halq or Taqsir
Both Halq and Taqsir are acts of spiritual cleansing and renewal. Shaving or trimming hair symbolizes the removal of sins and makes all of the pilgrims feel equal before Allah. In short, it's a symbol of spiritual purity with a purpose of bringing pilgrims out of Ihram restrictions.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perform Halq for Men
Pilgrims have to perform Halq after completing Tawaf and Sa'i. As a first-time pilgrim, you should know how to perform Umrah step by step even before booking any Umrah package. Once you have completed Sa'i, here's how to perform Halq:
Step 1: Leave Masjid al-Haram after performing Sa'i. This is because cutting or trimming hair inside Haram isn't appreciated.
Step 2: Make a sincere Dua to express gratitude and ask for acceptance of Umrah.
Step 3: Make niyyah of performing Halq as a final ritual of Umrah. No verbal recital is required and there's no specific Dua to recite while performing Halq as well.
Step 4: Go to the nearby barber shop as there are barber shops everywhere outside Masjid al-Haram. One can also choose small barber shops nearby hotels to get it done quickly.
Step 5: Tell the barber to shave your head completely as partial shaving doesn't count as Halq.
Step 6: Halq is a symbolic exit of Ihram and with that all the ihram restrictions ends as well. So, pilgrims can remove ihram clothes and wear daily clothes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perform Taqsir for Men
Though men should prefer Halq, one can also perform Taqsir to exit Ihram. Here's how to perform Taqsir for men and how much length of hair they have to cut:
Step 1: Exit Masjid al-Haram after performing Tawaf and Sa'i and go to the barber shop.
Step 2: Make niyyah of performing Taqsir as a final Umrah ritual to exit Ihram.
Step 3: Tell the barber to shorten the hair of the entire head. Remember that trimming hair from only one or the side of the head isn't sufficient at all and also doesn't end Ihram restrictions.
Step 4: Completing Taqsir ends the ihram state. So, pilgrims can remove ihram clothes and wear daily clothes.
Step by Step Method of Taqsir for Women
Women can't perform Halq as Taqsir is the only option for them. So, shortening hair after performing Tawaf and Sa'i ends the ihram state for women. Here's how to get it done:
Step 1: Leave Masjid al-Haram after performing Tawaf and Sa'i and go to your hotel room. It's important for women to not expose their hair in Haram or in front of non mahram.
Step 2: Gather all hair together from ends and cut a small amount of hair. Cutting hair up to fingertip length is a minimum requirement. Women can cut their own hair as no barber is needed to cut this small amount of hair.
Step 3: Cutting hair represents Taqsir in women and thus brings them out from Ihram state.
Legal Ruling of Halq or Taqsir
Performing Halq or Taqsir is a part of Umrah rituals and there's no doubt about it among scholars as well. For men, Halq is recommended and Taqsir is optional if someone can't shave his head for any reason. For women, Taqsir is the only option.
Skipping Halq or Taqsir leaves the Umrah incomplete until the hair is cut. Scholars consider it a necessary part of Umrah. Similarly, ihram restrictions remain until pilgrims cut or shave their heads to exit Ihram.
Rules of Halq or Taqsir for Men
Since Halq or Taqsir is an important ritual of Umrah, it has its own rules. So, pilgrims have to abide by these rules to complete their Umrah exactly as per the Sunnah. Here are the rules for men:
- Men have to perform either Halq or Taqsir to exit the Ihram state. Skipping both of these leaves Umrah incomplete.
- Halq is a superior act that carries a huge reward. However, Halq isn't mandatory as men can also opt for Taqsir and it's permissible too. But skipping Halq intentionally means missing a more virtuous act.
- Men have to remove hair from their entire head to exit Ihram state. So, leaving any portion of the head without trimming or shaving that part invalidates the ritual.
- Men have to perform either Halq or Taqsir after performing Sa'i.
- The restrictions of Ihram state remain valid until pilgrims shave or shorten their hair.
- Even bald men should pass a razor over the scalp to complete the ritual.
- Delaying Halq or Taqsir without any reason isn't recommended. One can delay depending on the situation, yet it has to be done as soon as possible after performing Tawaf and Sa'i.
- Pilgrims should make niyyah of exiting Ihram state and completing Umrah while performing Halq or Taqsir.
Rules of Taqsir for Women
Women have to perform Taqsir as a final ritual of Umrah to exit the Ihram state. So, there are the following rules that women should consider while performing Taqsir:
- Taqsir is the only option for women to exit Ihram. Women are not allowed to shave their heads at all.Women have to cut their hair up to a fingertip length as a minimum requirement. Cutting hair less than this amount doesn't meet the actual requirement of the ritual.
- Hair cutting should reflect the whole head rather than any portion of the head. So, it's better to cut hair from the ends.
- Similar to men, women have to perform Taqsir after performing Tawaf and Sa'i.
- All the Ihram restrictions remain valid until women cut their hair.
- Women should not cut hair in front of non-Mahram or inside Masjid al-Haram. So, it's better to cut hair in the hotel room.
- Women should make niyyah of exiting Ihram state and completing Umrah while performing Taqsir.
When Should Perform Halq or Taqsir?
Both men and women pilgrims have to perform Halq or Taqsir after performing Tawaf and Sa'i as a part of Umrah rituals. Also, pilgrims have to perform Halq or Taqsir outside Masjid an-haram to maintain the sanctity of the mosque.
Performing Halq or Taqsir before completing Tawaf and Sa'i doesn't fulfill the ritual. Also, delaying it unnecessarily after Tawaf and Sa'i isn't recommended either. So, the best time is to perform Halq or Taqsir immediately after leaving Masjid al-Haram after performing Tawaf and Sa'i.
Where Should Perform Halq or Taqsir?
Performing Halq or Taqsir inside Masjid an-Haram is prohibited both for men and women. So, men should perform Halq or Taqsir in the barber shop while women should perform Taqsir in the hotel room. It's not permissible for women to expose their hair in front of non-Mahram.
Do Children Need to Perform Halq or Taqsir?
Yes. The rulings of performing Halq or Taqsir are the same as adults for children. This is because it's an important ritual of Umrah that one can't skip. Therefore, boys can perform either Halq or Taqsir while girls can only perform Taqsir to conclude their Umrah.
Halq vs Taqsir: What and How to Choose?
Men have an option of either performing Halq or Taqsir to conclude their Umrah. However, how to know what's best for you? Should you perform Halq or Taqsir this time? Well, here are some factors to consider to decide better:
Religious virtue
Want to get a greater reward for cutting your hair? Choose Halq and opt for shaving the entire head to get a massive reward. And the Holy Prophet also made Dua three times for pilgrims who shaved their heads. So, performing Halq means becoming eligible for that Dua.
Intention of another Umrah
Men who have a plan to perform another Umrah within a short time should opt for Taqsir. This way, they can fulfill the requirement of cutting hair for the second Umrah too.
Medical Condition
If a man has any medical condition including scalp infection, skin sensitivity or surgical wounds, Taqsir is the best option for him in this case.
Following the Sunnah completely
Performing Umrah once in a one-time journey is a Sunnah of the Holy Prophet. So, men who have to perform a single Umrah should opt for Halq which is also the recommended Sunnah. This way, they can double their reward by expressing dedication for following the Sunnah completely in each step.
Remember that Halq is the default ruling while Taqsir is a concession. So, choose Taqsir only when you have a valid reason. Otherwise, choose Halq to follow the Sunnah entirely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Halq or Taqsir
Many pilgrims, especially first-time travelers don't have exact knowledge of how to perform Umrah step by step. Therefore, they make mistakes even while performing Halq or Taqsir. Here's the common mistakes that you should avoid:
- Performing Halq or Taqsir before completing Sa'i.
- Delaying hair cutting unnecessarily after Sa'i.
- Shaving or trimming only a part of the head.
- Cutting hair from one side.
- Trimming only a few strands of hair.
- Avoid making niyyah.
- Women don't cutting the required amount of hair.
- Women cutting hair in front of non-mahram.
- Believing Taqsir is equal in reward to Halq for men.
- Choosing Taqsir without any valid reason.
- Not passing a razor over the head when completely bald.
Final Thoughts on Halq vs Taqsir in Umrah
In conclusion, Halq or Taqsir is an important Umrah ritual that symbolizes the completion of Umrah. Men can either perform Halq or Taqsir while women only have to perform Taqsir to conclude their Umrah. With completing Halq or Taqsir, all the Ihram restrictions end and the Umrah is considered completed.
FAQs
How much hair should men cut in Taqsir?
Men have to shorten their hair from entire head up to the length of a fingertip.
Can women cut hair themselves in Umrah?
Yes, women can cut hair themselves in Umrah. But it's important to cut hair up to the length of a fingertip from ends.
What happens if someone forgets Halq or Taqsir?
Halq or Taqsir is an important ritual and an Umrah is considered incomplete without performing it. So, pilgrims should cut or shave their hair as soon as they remember.
Is Halq better than Taqsir?
Yes. Performing Halq is more rewarding and recommended act for men only.
Can Halq be done inside Haram?
Yes. Pilgrims can perform Halq inside the Haram boundaries and it's totally acceptable. But pilgrims should avoid performing Halq inside Masjid al-Haram.
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