Is the failure to universally apply the shortening of hair during 'Umrah considered an error that necessitates a fidyah (expiatory offering) or fasting, and how can it be rectified Islamically?
A Muslim must learn the rulings of worship. The questioner fell short by not learning the rituals before performing them.
Regarding the sufficiency of shortening only some hair on the head, there is a difference of opinion. The Malikis and Hanbalis believe that shortening or shaving must be from all the hair, while Ash-Shafi'i said that shortening three hairs is sufficient, and Abu Hanifa said that a quarter of the head is obligatory.
What the questioner did is correct according to the Shafi'i school, as shortening three hairs from the head is sufficient for shaving and shortening, based on the Almighty's saying: "having shaven your heads and shortened." We hope his Hajj and Umrah are accepted.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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