Grand Mosque authority introduces hair cutting service for exiting ihram
MAKKAH: Five stations have been set up in the courtyard of Makkah's Grand Mosque for pilgrims to have their heads shaved in the Islamic practice of exiting from the state of ihram.
The new service allows pilgrims to shave their head or cut their hair at designated locations.
The initiative was introduced for the first time this Ramadan by the General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque.
These stations can be relocated as needed during periods of high congestion and are staffed by experienced specialists using sterilized equipment.
Mohammed Asiri, a Hajj and Umrah affairs specialist and religious researcher, said that exiting from ihram after completing the Umrah rituals is an essential final step in completing Umrah, where pilgrims shave their heads or trim their hair after completing the Sa'i walk between the hills of Safa and Marwa.
'This practice follows the Prophetic Sunnah, as Prophet Mohammed instructed his companions to shave or trim their hair after performing Umrah,' Asiri said.
He added that men typically prefer complete shaving, while women need only trim a small portion of their hair.
The ritual symbolizes purification and renewal after worship and marks the end of ihram restrictions that began when pilgrims entered the miqat, or boundary, where ihram is required.
Fahd Al-Hamidi, who used the service at the Grand Mosque, said the initiative was 'an extension of Saudi Arabia's significant efforts to serve pilgrims from around the world.'
He said that the service is just one of thousands provided by Saudi Arabia to simplify the rituals of Umrah performers.
Al-Hamidi described the exit from ihram as a joyful moment that brings a sense of relief and spiritual closeness to Allah.
He said that this simple procedure carries deep spiritual meaning, symbolizing renewal and purification from sins and beginning a new page full of faith and piety.
The ritual is 'a profound spiritual symbol of submission to Allah's commands and the Prophet's Sunnah,' Al-Hamidi said.
'With these modern solutions, like mobile barbershop units, this important final step of Umrah has become more convenient and efficient for pilgrims.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Saudi Gazette
2 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
King's guests: Hajj organization is a testimony to Saudi Arabia's excellent care for pilgrims
Saudi Gazette report ARAFAT — Several guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit expressed their heartfelt emotions as they stood on the plains of Arafat, saying the moment of chanting the Talbiyah and supplicating is among the most profound moments of their lives. They praised the generous care they have received since arrival in the Kingdom. Muhammad Amer from New Zealand said: 'Arafat Day is extraordinary in every detail; a moment of serenity and peace. I never imagined I would experience it in such an honorable manner, with such a high level of organization and care.' He commended the Kingdom and its leadership for facilitating the rituals and ensuring the comfort of every pilgrim. Sameh Abu Baker from Palestine expressed appreciation for the services provided and the exceptional organization of pilgrims' movement, stating, 'The emotions on this great day are indescribable. Joy fills our hearts as we see the pilgrims responding in unison. These are unforgettable moments that will remain etched in memory.' A total of 2,443 pilgrims from 100 countries are performing Hajj under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit.
Saudi Gazette
4 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
Crown Prince arrives in Mina to oversee Hajj services
Saudi Gazette report MINA — On behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman arrived in Mina on Thursday to supervise the services and facilities provided to pilgrims during the peak of the Hajj season. Nearly two million pilgrims converged on Mount Arafat, marking the spiritual pinnacle of the five-day pilgrimage. Dressed in seamless white garments symbolizing unity and humility, pilgrims gathered at dawn after spending the night in the tent city of Mina for reflection and prayer. The pilgrims will spend the day in prayer on the plains of Arafat before heading to Muzdalifah and returning to Mina for the symbolic stoning of the devil, followed by the Eid al-Adha animal sacrifice, marking the culmination of Hajj. Saudi Arabia has deployed tens of thousands of workers, security forces, medical staff, and volunteers to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage. Extensive services — from transportation and healthcare to crowd management and digital support — are in place across the holy sites to support the mass movement of pilgrims and safeguard their well-being. Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it at least once in their lives. The journey commemorates the trials of Prophet Abraham and embodies key tenets of the Islamic faith, including devotion, equality, and sacrifice.
Saudi Gazette
20 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
Ministers of Hajj and Health visit Arafat to review its preparedness for Hajj
Saudi Gazette Report MINA — Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah and Minister of Health Fahad AlJalajel visited Arafat on Wednesday to inspect the elaborate arrangements and preparations made to extend the best possible services and facilities for the Hajj pilgrims who head to the vast plains of Arafat on Thursday for performing the ritual of wuqoof Arafat, the climax of Hajj. Al-Rabiah carried out a field inspection tour of various locations within the holy sites, as part of the ongoing preparations for the Hajj 2025. He examined readiness of pilgrims' camps, facilities, and services before pilgrims commence their movement to Arafat for the most important ritual of Hajj. The tour included a detailed field visit to assess Arafat's readiness to receive pilgrims. The minister reviewed the efficiency of the camps, accommodation facilities, and logistical services, as well as the integrated health, technical, and service equipment—all to guarantee the smooth and safe performance of rituals. Al-Rabiah also closely followed the progress of the shading and cooling project for the courtyards surrounding the Namirah Mosque. This project stands as one of the unique initiatives dedicated to improving the environment in Arafat, covering an area of 85,000 square meters. It incorporates 320 canopies and 350 misting fans to provide a pleasant atmosphere, in addition to the planting of 2,000 trees in the eastern courtyards to expand vegetation cover. A comprehensive infrastructure, including water and electricity networks, has been prepared to ensure the project's sustainable operation. Al-Rabiah emphasized the crucial importance of integrating efforts among all participating entities and operating according to the highest standards of operational efficiency to serve the pilgrims. He stated that these actions are in direct implementation of the directives of the wise leadership, aspiring to achieve a model Hajj season that reflects the Kingdom's distinguished position and leadership in managing this grand ritual. Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel visited several field health units operated in collaboration with health associations in Arafat. This visit was part of his inspection tour to assess the readiness of health services for pilgrims during the Hajj season 2025. Al-Jalajel reviewed the medical units' equipment and the health teams' preparations to ensure the delivery of health services at the highest efficiency. This aligns with the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program and the Pilgrim Experience Program under Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to enable pilgrims to perform their rituals in a healthy and tranquil environment.
