Exiting Ihram (Shaving / Shortening)
After Sa'y the hair is shaved or shortened, which ends the state of ihram. In the Hanafi school this is a wajib of Umrah (a pillar in the Shafi'i and Hanbali schools).
- For men, shaving (halq) is more virtuous; shortening (taqsir) is also valid.
- Minimum: In the Hanafi school at least one quarter of the head is shortened by about a fingertip joint (the whole head is Sunnah). In the Shafi'i school three hairs suffice; in the Maliki and Hanbali schools the hair of the whole head is shortened.
- Women do not shave; they cut about a fingertip joint from the ends of their hair (in the Hanafi school, from at least a quarter of it).
- According to Abu Hanifah, it should be done within the Haram boundaries.
- After this, ihram restrictions end and Umrah is complete.
Details may differ between schools of law; for your own situation, ask your group guide or a qualified scholar.