What is the required expiation (Fidyah) for a person in Ihram who shaves their head?
Chapter on Ransom (Fidyah) and Penalty for Hunting
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
The required expiation for a person in the state of Ihram who shaves their head is one of three options: fasting for three days, feeding six poor persons three Sa's of dates (or half a Sa' per person), or sacrificing a sheep. There is consensus among scholars that this expiation is obligatory upon the one who shaves while in Ihram without a valid excuse. The basis for this ruling is the verse in the Quran, "...or a sacrifice reaching its appointed place. And whoever is among you sick or has an ailment on his head, [he should forfeit by] a ransom [of] fasting three days, or charity, or a ritual offering." (Quran 2:196). Furthermore, the Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed Ka'b ibn 'Ujrah, when advised to shave due to lice, to fast three days, or feed six poor persons, or sacrifice a sheep, which is an established command based on the authentic narration agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim.