Shaving the head as an act of worship other than in Hajj and 'Umrah, and its connection to the Khawarij

The questioner:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, is shaving the head as an act of worship to Allah other than in Hajj and 'Umrah permissible?

The Shaykh:
No, it is not permissible to shave the head except in Hajj and 'Umrah. So shaving it in this manner is a bid'ah (religious innovation) other than in Hajj and 'Umrah. And if one shaves for the grave, it is considered major shirk (associating partners with Allah).

The questioner:
He says: Is it one of the signs of the Khawarij?

The Shaykh:
Yes, it is one of the signs of the Khawarij. But if it becomes a distinguishing mark and a sign, then it is one of the signs of the Khawarij. As for if it is not a distinguishing mark or a sign, then a person shaves it out of need, and there is no harm in that. Or he leaves it if he is able to leave it, and there is no harm in that. It is only if it is a distinguishing mark and a sign that this is the way of the Khawarij. Yes.