When Performing Multiple ‘Umras, Should One Trim Each Time and Shave at the End?

Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Question

When performing multiple ‘Umras, should one trim each time and shave at the end?

Answer

I pray you are well.

Trimming or Shaving After Each ‘Umra

In each ‘Umra, one must exit Ihram by either trimming or shaving the hair. If one chooses to trim, then a noticeable amount should be cut each time. This can be difficult to maintain unless one has sufficiently long hair to keep trimming repeatedly.

For this reason, it is generally better to shave.

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) made dua for those who shaved their heads three times, and once for those who trimmed. This indicates a greater virtue in shaving and a stronger likelihood of attaining that supplication.

Performing Multiple ‘Umras

It is permissible to perform multiple ‘Umras. However, the general practice of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) was not to perform multiple ‘Umras back-to-back. The number of ‘Umras he performed is known, and they were limited in number.

That said, people may choose to perform multiple ‘Umras, especially given that visiting is not a frequent opportunity for most. This is permissible.

Entering Ihram for Each ‘Umra

If one wishes to perform another ‘Umra, they should exit to a place such as Tan‘im, at the Masjid of Sayyida ‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her), and enter into a new ihram from there before returning.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, access to the Mataf has been restricted to those in Ihram. While women can enter easily in their regular clothing, men sometimes wear the Ihram simply to gain entry.

This is a form of deception that should be avoided; when seeking Allah’s forgiveness in such a sacred place, it is best to remain upright and avoid “grey areas.”

Given the sanctity of the place and the purpose of seeking closeness to Allah, one should avoid doubtful matters.

Alternative Acts of Worship

It is also worth noting that one may perform multiple tawafs instead. Tawaf is an act of worship unique to that place and cannot be performed elsewhere. Given the large crowds, it may sometimes be better to focus on such acts and leave space for others performing ‘Umra.

[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began studying Arabic Grammar and Morphology whilst studying for a degree in English and History. After graduating, He traveled to Damascus and studied Arabic, Hanafi Fiqh, Usul al-Fiqh, Theology, and Logic with Shaykh Adnan Darwish, Shaykh ‘Abd al-Rahman Arjan al-Binsawi, Shaykh Husayn Darwish, Shaykh Muhammad Darwish, the late Shaykh Rashad Shams, and others. He then moved to Amman to continue his studies in those fields, as well as in Tafsir, Quranic Sciences, Hadith Methodology and Commentary, Prophetic Biography, Prophetic Perfections and Traits, Rhetoric, Arabic Literature, and Tajwid. His teachers include Shaykh Ali Hani, Dr. Hamza al-Bakri, Dr. Salah Abu al-Hajj, Dr. Mansur Abu Zina, Shaykh Ahmad Hasanat, Shaykh Ahmad Jammal, and others.