حلق

Core meaning

The narrow passage and the close cut: shaving the head at the end of the pilgrimage, and the throat, through which the breath withdraws.

Uses

1. حَلَقَ, مُحَلِّقِينَ → "to shave" : to cut the hair close, the gesture that ends the pilgrim's state.

   • «وَلَا تَحْلِقُوا۟ رُءُوسَكُمْ» — "And do not shave your heads" (2:196)
   • «مُحَلِّقِينَ رُءُوسَكُمْ وَمُقَصِّرِينَ» — "your heads shaved or your hair cut short" (48:27)

2. ٱلْحُلْقُوم → "the throat" : the passage where the departing breath reaches its end.

   • «فَلَوْلَآ إِذَا بَلَغَتِ ٱلْحُلْقُومَ» — "Then why, when it reaches the throat" (56:83)

Evidence from the text

Shaving marks an end: one does not shave one's head "until the offering has reached its place of delivery" (2:196), and the messenger's vision announces entry into the inviolable place of prostration, heads shaved, "without fear" (48:27). The throat marks the end of life: what leaves the dying reaches it, and none of those looking on can bring it back (56:83-87).

Distinctions

• قصر — to shorten: to cut the hair short, beside shaving (48:27)