Which is better in Umrah or Hajj, to have the hair shaved off or cut short?

Question No. 36:

Which is better in Umrah or Hajj, to have the hair shaved off or cut short? Is it sufficient to have the hair cut short from some parts of the head?


Answer No. 36:

To have the hair shaved off is better than cut short both in Hajj and Umrah. Because, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) prayed mercy and forgiveness three times for the persons who got their hair shaved off. He prayed one time for the persons who got their hair cut short However, if the Umrah is performed before Hajj by a short period, it is better to get the hair cut short. So that the shaving of the head can be applied completely in Hajj, as the Hajj is more complete than Umrah. So, the more perfect deserves more perfect one.

On the other hand, if the Umrah is performed before the Hajj by a long period, such as, in the month of Shawwal and it is usual for hair to grow longer in this period. So he should get his hair shaved off availing the superiority of shaving his hair.

It is not sufficient to get hair cut-short or shaved off some part of the head according to the more correct of the two opinions of the scholars. It is obligatory to have the hair cut short or shaved off all over the head. It is better to begin from the right side of the head in shaving or shortening the hair.