The extent of cutting and shaving that is acceptable after completing Hajj and ‘Umrah

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I completed the rituals of ‘Umrah during Ramadaan, and I cut my hair, some from the front and some from the back, and some from the right and left. Is my ‘Umrah valid or not?.

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Answer:

Praise be to Allaah.

Firstly: 

The fuqaha’ are unanimously agreed that shaving the entire head is preferable to cutting the hair, because it is proven that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) shaved his entire head, and he prayed for those who shaved their heads three times, and for those who cut their hair once.  

See: al-Mawsoo’ah al-Fiqhiyyah (18/98). 

But they differed as to the minimum amount that is acceptable in shaving the head and cutting the hair. The Maalikis and Hanbalis are of the view that it is not sufficient to shave only part of the head, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) shaved his entire head, and his action explained his command to shave. 

The Hanafis are of the view that it is sufficient to shave one quarter of the head, but if less than one quarter is shaved, that is not sufficient. 

The Shaafa’is said that the minimum that is sufficient is three hairs, whether it is shaved or cut. 

Ibn Qudaamah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in al-Mughni (3/196): He must cut or shave all of his hair, and the same applies to women. This was stated by Imam Ahmad, and it was the view of Maalik. It was narrated from Ahmad that part (of the head) is sufficient. Al-Shaafa’i said: It is sufficient to cut three hairs. Ibn al-Mundhir favoured the view that if a man cuts the hair in a manner that may be regarded as hair cutting, it is sufficient. But Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “having your heads shaved” [al-Fath 48:27]. This is general in meaning. And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) shaved his entire head, which explains the command to shave the head. End quote. 

It says in al-Taaj wa’l-Ikleel (4/181), which is a Maaliki book: Whoever shaves his head or cuts his hair, let him do that to his entire head; it is not sufficient to limit it to only part of it. End quote. 

Undoubtedly this view is more on the safe side. A person should not limit himself to removing hair only from the front or the back or the right or the left as you have done. 

Secondly: 

If a person has removed only some of his hair, his case must be examined further. 

If he did that because he was following a scholar who issued a fatwa to that effect, there is no sin on him. 

If he did that based on his own ideas, then this is not sufficient, and he is still in ihraam and has not exited it. So he has to remove his sewn garments now, and shave his entire head or cut his hair all over. Thus he will exit ihraam, and he does to have to offer any (expiation) for anything that he did during this time of the things that are forbidden when in ihraam, because he was unaware of the ruling. 

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked about a man who cut his hair on one side only after doing ‘Umrah, then he went back to his family and he found out that what he had done was not correct. What should he do? He replied: If he did this out of ignorance, then he has to take off his clothes now and put on his ihraam garments, and shave his head completely or cut his hair, but what he did may be forgiven, because he was unaware. Shaving or cutting the hair does not necessarily have to be done in Makkah, rather they may be done in Makkah or elsewhere. But if he did that based on a fatwa from a scholar, then he does not have to do anything, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “So ask of those who know the Scripture , if you know not” [al-Nahl 16:43]. Some scholars think that cutting hair from part of the head is like cutting the hair all over the head. End quote from al-Liqa’ al-Shahri, no. 10. 

And Allaah knows best.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah's Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

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