At the conclusion of performing the holy rites of Umrah, shaving the hair or shortening the hair is usually one of the last steps. This raises the question: Is shaving my head a requirement for Umrah, or is shortening my hair enough? We can determine this by examining the Holy Qur’an and the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Evidence from the Holy Qur’an
Allah ﷻ says in the Qur’an:
“Certainly you will enter Al-Masjid Al-Haram, if Allah wills, in safety—some having their heads shaved and others having their hair shortened—without fear.”
(Surah Al-Fath 48:27)
This narration clarifies that both shaving and trimming are legitimate options. Shaving is not the only obligation, and trimming the hair would also complete the rite.
Teachings of the Prophet ﷺ
The Prophet ﷺ emphasized the virtue of shaving but also accepted trimming. Abdullah ibn Umar (رضي الله عنه) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ prayed:
“O Allah, have mercy on those who shave their heads.”
The companions asked, “And upon the one who trims his hair, O Messenger of Allah?” The Prophet ﷺ prayed for the one who shaves. After they asked three times, he said:
“And those who shorten.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
This Hadith shows that shaving brings greater reward, yet trimming is also valid and fulfills the rite of Umrah.
For Men and Women
Men: Shaving and trimming are both permissible. Shaving symbolizes greater humility and is more rewarding, however, trimming is sufficient for completing the rite.
Women: Women are not allowed to shave their heads but must trim a small amount of hair, maybe the length of their fingertip, as part of their Umrah.
Wisdom Behind the Act
Shaving or trimming of hair and beard has significant spiritual significance. It symbolizes buftfing pride concerning one’s physical appearance, and it signifies the beginning of a new chapter in one’s faith, as though one is loaidnly restarting their life’s sacred journey. It stands to represents us all equally, as all pilgrims appear in plain form and face each other in submission before Allah.
Conclusion
Is it mandatory to shave the head for Umrah? The answer is no; shaving the head and trimming have an equivalent position. Even though shaving can be recommended for men who will earn more reward, women are instructed to only trim their hair. This universal perspective demonstrates the mercy of Islam, which seeks depth of spirituality but practical ease for every pilgrim.
