Can men perform Taqsir?

As we know, every Muslim wants to perform the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages because they are spiritual journeys. These religious trips include many mandatory rituals. Each ritual has great spiritual significance. One of the required acts of the holy journey to Mecca is taqsir or cutting the hair. In this context, read this topic for more information: “Can men perform Taqsir?”

According to Sharia, male pilgrims are permitted to perform taqsir (trimming the hair) after completing a sacred pilgrimage to Mecca. You must have to know this before booking your Umrah and Hajj Packages. However, it is preferable to shave the head because its reward is much higher than cutting the hair. If a pilgrim does not perform this act, he should slaughter a sheep to atone for it and give its meat to the needy.

Men can perform Taqsir

Taqsir, or haircutting, is a required act of Umrah and Hajj. Both men and women are required to shorten their hair after completing the pilgrimage. However, men have the choice to shave their heads or cut their hair after performing a sacred journey to Mecca. This choice is only available to men. Ladies cannot shave their heads in any situation. But male pilgrims should perform halq (shaving the head) because its reward is much greater than trimming the hair.

According to Islamic history, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) performed his Umrah with his companions. Some of them shave their heads, while others cut their hair. The Prophet (PBUH) prayed three times for those who shaved before praying for both. He only mentioned the others for the fourth time. This shows that shaving one’s head is much better and preferable.

What is the duty of a pilgrim who carries out taqsir during Sa’i?

If a pilgrim cuts his hair during Sa’i due to ignorance or forgetfulness, he should finish Sa’i and repeat taqsir. He should perform taqsir again as a precaution, and there is no penalty in any condition.

Additionally, if someone did not have the intention of completing seven rounds at the start of Sa’i, he should undertake Sa’i again.         

Halq and Taqsir rules for Hajj and Umrah

A pilgrim can either shave his head or trim his hair after a holy pilgrimage to Mecca. Here are some haircut rules for halq and taqsir with reference to various situations:

1. Umrah (outside of Hajj season)

In Umrah, halq and taqsir are performed after the completion of Sa’i, which means running between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times.

A pilgrim performs Hajj and Umrah separately during Hajj Tamattu. According to Islamic scholars, halq is compulsory during this form of Hajj. So, taqsir is not considered sufficient for male pilgrims. In other words, if someone is making his first Hajj, he must shave his head after sacrificing an animal. However, women must trim their hair.

Hajj Ifrad refers to making one intention just for Hajj without Umrah.

When a pilgrim undertakes both Hajj and Umrah with the same Ihram and intention, this is known as Hajj Qiran. For those making this type of Hajj, remember that halq and taqsir are performed only after sacrificing an animal.

No matter what kind of Hajj you want to make, be sure to complete halq and taqsir before the sunset of the 12^th Dhul Hijjah. Because you will be liable for the penalty if there is a delay. Although pilgrims can cut their hair anywhere in Mecca, Mina, and Muzdalifah, it is a Sunnah to do halq and taqsir within the boundaries of Mina.

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General tips – Barbers

Getting a haircut inside Mina or Mecca can be very expensive or very cheap. There are two types of barbers: those who have licences and those who haven’t.

Unlicensed barbers, who work on the roadside, usually charge between 10 and 20 Riyals. They frequently use non-sterile blades on multiple people, which can spread viruses and diseases including HIV and hepatitis.

On the other hand, licensed barbers, charge up to 40 Riyals for a shave.

There are many tips and guidelines for pilgrims when choosing barbers for their haircuts. These tips are the following:

• Choose a licensed barber rather than an unlicensed street barber.
• Make sure to use single-use disposable blades.
• Before shaving, ask the barber to properly wash his hands with water and soap.
• Shave your head with your equipment, or have the barber do it for you.
• Never share your hygiene items with others to use.

Conclusion

One of the main acts of Hajj and Umrah is taqsir. It refers to the minor cutting of the hair and is also necessary for ladies making a sacred pilgrimage to Mecca.

According to Sharia, male pilgrims can perform taqsir (cutting the hair) after completing a holy journey to Mecca. However, it is preferable to shave the head because its reward is much bigger than trimming the hair. If a pilgrim does not do this, he should sacrifice a sheep to atone for it and distribute its meat to the poor.

Note: Make sure the company from which you have booked your Hajj and Umrah Packages are protected by ATOL and IATA.