Ibn ‘Umar said that God’s messenger had his head shaved at the Farewell Pilgrimage, as did some of his companions, but some had their hair clipped. Bukhari and Muslim.
The Rites of Pilgrimage - Mishkat al-Masabih 2646
In this narration from the esteemed companion Abdullah ibn 'Umar, we are informed of the practice of God's Messenger during the Farewell Pilgrimage regarding the concluding rite of halq (shaving) or taqsir (clipping). This occurred after completing the essential rites of Hajj and before exiting the state of ihram.
Scholarly Commentary on the Permissible Variations
The wisdom in this variation demonstrates the flexibility and ease within Islamic law. Shaving the head is considered superior as it was the action of the Prophet himself, yet clipping remains permissible and valid, accommodating different circumstances and preferences among the believers.
This hadith establishes that both actions fulfill the requirement for the final rite of pilgrimage. The permissibility of both acts prevents hardship and reflects the comprehensive nature of the Shariah, which considers the various conditions of the ummah without compromising the validity of the worship.
Legal Rulings and Spiritual Significance
The majority of scholars hold that shaving is preferable for men, while women are only permitted to clip their hair. The act symbolizes submission, humility, and rebirth—casting aside worldly adornments as one emerges from the sacred state renewed in faith and devotion to the Almighty.