Is shaving the sideburns attached to the ear – which may be part of the beard – considered shaving before exiting the state of ihram in Umrah and Hajj, and does it necessitate a compensatory sacrifice (dam)? And what is the ruling on one who intentionally shaves part of it to exit ihram while being unsure whether it is part of the beard or part of the head?

The hair for which the ruling on its removal during tahallul (exiting the state of ihram (definition)) is sought could be either from the 'idhar (facial hair) or from the sudgh (hair of the head). If the hair taken is from the sudgh, there is no issue with it. However, if it is from the 'idhar, it is not permissible to shave it because it is part of the beard, and shaving it is forbidden. Taking from it before tahallul is one of the prohibitions of ihram. Taking hair before tahallul does not necessitate a dam (sacrificial animal), but rather requires a fidyah (definition) (expiation): fasting for three days, or feeding six poor persons, or sacrificing a sheep. Scholars differ regarding the obligation of shaving or shortening all of the head's hair upon tahallul, and the opinion of obligation is more cautious. For one who committed a prohibited act out of ignorance or misinterpretation, many scholars hold that fidyah is not obligatory. However, it is more cautious to pay the fidyah, and one has the choice [of how to pay it]. It becomes obligatory for each ritual if the prohibited act is repeated.