Halq

What Does Halq Mean in Detail?

Halq (complete head shaving) and its alternative taqsir (hair trimming) mark the হাজী's transition out of the sacred state of ইহরাম — a powerful moment of release and renewal. In হজ্জ, this is performed on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, typically after the stoning of Jamrat al-Aqabah and the sacrificial offering (qurbani). In উমরাহ, it follows the completion of sa'i between Safa and Marwa. With this act, most or all of the ইহরাম restrictions are lifted, and the হাজী returns to their normal state. For men, halq (complete shaving) is strongly preferred over taqsir (trimming). নবী করীম Muhammad (সাল্লাল্লাহু আলাইহি ওয়া সাল্লাম) made dua three times for those who shave their heads and only once for those who trim, as narrated in Bukhari and Muslim: 'O Allah, have mercy on the muhalliqin (those who shave).' The companions asked, 'And the muqassirin (those who trim), O Messenger of Allah?' He said, 'And the muqassirin' — but only after repeating his সালাত for the shavers three times. For women, halq is neither required nor মুস্তাহাব; rather, they cut a fingertip's length (approximately one to two centimeters) from the ends of their hair. The act of halq carries deep symbolic significance. The removal of hair — something that grows naturally and is often a source of personal pride — represents the shedding of ego, worldly attachment, and vanity. The হাজী emerges spiritually 'newborn,' cleansed by the rites of হজ্জ. In the sequence of হজ্জ rites on the 10th, the Hanafi school maintains a strict order (stoning, then sacrifice, then halq, then তাওয়াফ), while other schools allow flexibility in the sequence. The area between মিনা and মক্কা মুকাররমা is traditionally filled with barbers on the Day of Sacrifice, serving the millions of হাজীগণ who require this service.