No, shaving your private parts is not obligatory before performing Umrah.
While personal hygiene is generally encouraged in Islam, specific acts like shaving pubic hair, trimming nails, or shaving armpits are not a mandatory requirement before entering the state of Ihram for Umrah or Hajj, for both men and women. These actions are considered part of general cleanliness and fitrah (natural disposition), and are recommended practices, but not preconditions for the pilgrimage.
It's important to distinguish between recommended practices and obligatory rites of Umrah. The obligatory acts (Arkan) of Umrah include:
- Ihram (intention): Entering the state of Ihram from a designated Miqat.
- Tawaf: Circumambulating the Kaaba seven times.
- Sa'i: Walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times.
- Halq or Taqsir: Shaving the head (for men) or trimming the hair (for men and women) to exit Ihram.
Maintaining good hygiene, including trimming nails and removing unwanted hair, is commendable, but neglecting these practices will not invalidate your Umrah. Focus on the obligatory acts and strive for cleanliness as part of respecting the sacredness of the pilgrimage.
