Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, central to Muslim belief. It is the best spiritual experience for Muslims who are financially and physically able to plan and execute the Hajj journey. But the majority do not know that there is more than one type of Hajj in Islam.
Do you want to perform Hajj in the coming year? You need to realize how important it is to plan and understand a series of rituals and ceremonies, and the type of Hajj you should perform.
For a short introduction, there are 3 main types of Hajj that depend on your current situation. Whether you have already performed Umrah, how long you have been in Makkah, or what suits you the best:
1. Hajj Ifrad
2. Hajj Qiran
3. Hajj Tamattu
Hajj Ifrad Explained
What is Hajj Ifrad? Basically, Hajj al-Ifrad means “separate” or “isolated” Hajj. If you have never heard about this, then read it carefully to understand. It is specifically selected for those who live in Makkah or near it.
You will perform just the Hajj without adding Umrah to it!
Got it? Let us explain to you the simple steps of Hajj al-Ifrad for more clarity:
How is Hajj Ifrad Performed?
1. Enter Ihram: Put on the white garments with the clear intention that you’re doing Hajj only (not Umrah)
2. You must remain in the state of Ihram throughout your entire Hajj journey
3. Perform Hajj Steps:
– Complete your Tawaf
– Do Sa’i
– Go to Arafat and stand in prayer and reflection at Mount Arafat
– In Muzdalifah, you need to spend the night collecting pebbles
– Jamarat: Stone the three pillars over three days
4. Complete Hajj: Only after throwing stones at Jamrat al-Aqabah on Eid day can you exit Ihram
NOTE: If you perform Umrah at any point, that means you are no longer doing Hajj al-Ifrad. You will switch to the other two types of Hajj. However, in case of busy schedules, you can personalize Hajj packages at your ease before the time of Hajj under budget.
Hajj Qiran Explained
Hajj Qiran means “combining” Hajj. In very simple words, assume you have to complete two tasks without changing clothes! In this type, you will perform both Umrah and Hajj. Most importantly, you will wear the same Ihram from start to finish.
However, the most difficult part of Hajj Qiran is staying in the Ihram state for weeks. Plus, you have to follow all the restrictions during this time! For comfort, you can get customized Hajj and Umrah Packages and complete your Hajj successfully!
Steps to perform Hajj Qiran
1. Enter Ihram by putting on Ihram clothes with the thought of performing both Umrah and Hajj.
2. Perform Umrah First:
– Do Tawaf by walking around the Kaaba seven times
– Perform Sa’i by walking between Safa and Marwa seven times
– Important: Do NOT cut/shave hair or exit Ihram after Umrah
3. Stay in Ihram: Continue wearing Ihram between Umrah and Hajj (this is the challenging part!)
4. Wait for Hajj Season: If you did Umrah early, wait in Ihram until Hajj begins
5. Perform Complete Hajj:
– All Hajj rituals (Arafat, Muzdalifah, stoning, etc.)
– Mandatory animal sacrifice
– Only then can you finally exit Ihram
NOTE: You cannot leave the state of Ihram until you complete BOTH Umrah and Hajj, plus the animal sacrifice.
Hajj Tamattu Explained
Hajj Tamattu’ is the most popular type of Hajj today, especially for international pilgrims. Muslims first perform Umrah, then exit from the state of Ihram. After taking a break, they reenter in Ihram state for Hajj on the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah. However, animal sacrifice is a must to complete.
It is the easiest Hajj type because you get a chance to rest after Umrah and then regain energy for Hajj.
Steps to perform Hajj Tamattu
Phase 1: Umrah in Early Dhul-Hijjah
1. Enter the First Ihram with a thought of performing Umrah only
2. Complete Umrah:
– Do the Tawaf
– Perform Sa’i
– Cut/Shave Hair: Trim hair to complete Umrah
3. Exit Ihram: Change into normal clothes, shower, relax!
Break Period (A Few days to rest)
– Live in Makkah normally and spend time in ibadat
Phase 2: Hajj in 8th Dhul-Hijjah onwards
1. Enter the Second Ihram with a thought of performing Hajj only
2. Complete Hajj:
– All Hajj rituals (Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah, stoning)
– Mandatory animal sacrifice
– Come out of the Ihram state after completing Hajj
Final Words!
After reading this guide, hopefully, you have now understood all types of Hajj. So, choose Hajj according to your location and travel distance. If you are living in Makkah, then choose Hajj Ifrad. Muslims living in another country can choose Hajj Tamattu’ because they perform both Umrah and Hajj in one trip. Whereas, if you want to follow the Prophet’s example, then choose Hajj Qiran. No doubt, it is the most challenging. However, comfort and food are also very important to remain fresh and energized. For that, get customized and affordable Umrah and Hajj packages from professional companies!
