GRAND MOSQUE AUTHORITY INTRODUCES HAIR-CUTTING SERVICE FOR PILGRIMS EXITING IHRAM
By: Adedeji Monsurat Adenike
The General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has initiated its first trial operation of the Ihram exit ritual within the courtyard of the Grand Mosque.
This marks the first time the service has been implemented during Ramadan, as part of broader efforts to enhance services and improve the Umrah experience.
According to Arab news, pilgrims can now exit Ihram—a final step after completing Umrah rituals—by shaving their heads or trimming their hair at five designated stations opposite the Marwa area.
These stations, staffed by experienced specialists using fully sterilized equipment, can be relocated as needed during peak congestion to ensure smooth service delivery while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality.
The authority continues to enhance services at the Two Holy Mosques, introducing new initiatives while upholding quality and efficiency, all aimed at providing a seamless and enriching experience for visitors to the Grand Mosque.
Mohammed Asiri, a Hajj and Umrah affairs specialist and religious researcher, explained that exit 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 Sa’i between 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 noted. 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.
Fahd Al-Hamidi, who used the service at the Grand Mosque, praised it as “an extension of Saudi Arabia’s significant efforts to serve pilgrims from around the world.” He explained that the exit from Ihram service is just one of thousands of great services provided by this nation, both people and government, to make the rituals of Umrah performers coupled with ease and simplicity, enriching their experience and providing service to the highest standards.
Al-Hamidi described the exit from Ihram as a joyful moment that brings a sense of relief and spiritual closeness to Allah. He added that this simple procedure carries deep spiritual meanings, symbolizing renewal and purification from sins and beginning a new page full of faith and piety.
“The ritual release is not merely cutting or shaving hair, but a profound spiritual symbol of submission to Allah’s commands and the Prophet’s Sunnah,” Al-Hamidi concluded.
“With these modern solutions like mobile barbershop units, this important final step of Umrah has become more convenient and efficient for pilgrims.”
