SHAVING: MUHAMMAD�S HAIR

After the sacrifice, the ceremony of pilgrimage concludes, and the hAjji has himself shaved and his nails pared and his pilgrim garment removed.  Shaving should begin from the right side.  Anas reports that Allah�s Messenger �went to Jamra and threw pebbles at it, after which he went to his lodging in Mind, and sacrificed the animal.  He then called for a barber and, turning his right side to him, let him shave him; after which he turned his left side.  He then gave these hairs to the people� (2991); the hairs became important Islamic relics.

Now the pilgrimage is over, but the pilgrim should spend another three days in Mecca to rest after the hectic four days of ceremony.  Before leaving Mecca, he should again go round the Ka�ba seven times and throw stones at the satanic pillars at MinA seven times.  Before returning home, he should go to Medina to pay his homage at the tomb of Muhammad.

author : ram swarup