What is the ruling on shaving the head (halq)?
Chapter on Utensils
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
There is a divergence of narrations attributed to Ahmad concerning the ruling on shaving the head. One narration states that it is disliked (makruh). The evidence cited for this view includes the Prophet's statement regarding the Khawarij, where he identified shaving as their sign, and the report that Umar threatened to execute someone who had a shaved head. Furthermore, a narration states that the forelocks should not be removed except during Hajj or Umrah. Another report states, 'He is not one of us who shaves.' Scholars supporting the view that disliked shaving cite Ibn Abbas's statement that one who shaves his head in the settlement is a devil, and this was generally disliked by Ahmad. However, another narration from Ahmad states that it is not disliked, but leaving it alone is better. Scholars also cite the consensus of the Ummah on the permissibility of shaving, which is sufficient proof.
Supporting text
Alternative narrations permit shaving. One report indicates that the Prophet prohibited shaving only part of the head, stating, 'Shave it all or leave it all.' Another narration documents that when the Prophet commanded the hair of Abdullah ibn Ja'far's orphans to be shaved after the death of Ja'far, implying permission or permissibility, especially in the context of mourning, which some interpret as meaning 'shaving the hair during calamity' due to what might accompany it, such as wailing or tearing clothes.