Shaving the Hair in Pilgrimage
Question :

I have performed my first Hajj, and I did the Taqseer of my hair based on what I have read, and not Halq (complete shaving). Is this sufficient?

Answer :

One who performs the pilgrimage (Hajj) for the first time must shave the hair (halq) and not shorten it (taqseer). Since you did not deliberately contravene the ruling, then your pilgrimage is in order and you are not liable for Kaffara.

Shaving the Head for Umrah
Question :

If a person is performing Umrah al-Tamattu, is he required to shave his head?

Answer :

It is prohibited to shave the head in Umrah al-Tamattu. One must perform Taqseer, i.e. cut some hair from the head.

Skin Problem
Question :

My father has a permanent skin problem on his scalp which does not allow him to get his head shaven as it is required to so do in pilgrimage. Can the ritual of getting the head shaved be avoided?

Answer :

If this was his first Hajj then it is sufficient to remove the hair from the head by a trimming machine without touching the skin as long as the hair is removed.

Taqseer by Opposite Sex
Question :

Can the taqseer be undertaken by a person of the opposite gender who is mahram?

Answer :

Yes, it is permissible.