الحلق

Shaving the head (الحلق) or trimming the hair (التقصير) is an essential rite that marks the completion of العمرة and the partial or complete exit from the state of الإحرام during الحج. For men, الحلق (complete shaving of the head) is preferred عند جمهور العلماء, based on النبي's الدعاء: 'O Allah, have mercy on those who shave their heads,' which he repeated three times before adding, 'and those who trim' (Bukhari and Muslim). However, التقصير (trimming at least a fingertip's length from all parts of the hair) is also valid and fulfills the obligation. For women, only التقصير is permitted — a woman cuts approximately a fingertip's length from the ends of her hair. Shaving the head is prohibited for women by scholarly consensus. This rite should be performed after completing السعي, as it is the final step that releases the الحاج from الإحرام restrictions.

The highest concentration of barber shops catering to الحجاج is يقع في the المروة area, near the exit point where السعي concludes. As الحجاج finish their السعي at المروة and prepare to complete their العمرة, they step out into streets lined with dozens of small barber shops specifically serving this purpose. These shops operate extended hours during العمرة and الحج seasons, often remaining open 24 hours during peak periods. Additional barber shops are found throughout the commercial streets surrounding the Haram, along Ibrahim Al-Khalil Street, and in the basement levels of some hotel complexes. During الحج at منى, barber services are available within the tent camps, though they are fewer and may have longer wait times. Some الحج groups arrange for mobile barbers to visit their camps.

Prices for head shaving or hair trimming near the Haram range from 10 to 30 SAR, with slight variations based on proximity to the مسجد exit and the time of day. During extremely busy periods (immediately after الحج rites, late nights of رمضان), prices may increase slightly. Most barber shops use disposable razors or replaceable blade cartridges for each customer, which is the hygienic standard. Before sitting down, confirm that the barber is using a fresh blade. Reputable shops display their health permit and keep clean, well-lit premises. If you have concerns about hygiene, electric clippers used on the closest setting provide a similar result to shaving and are considered valid for الحلق by many scholars. Some الحجاج bring their own electric razor or trimmer and perform the rite themselves or with a companion's assistance, which is perfectly جائز.