The Three Types of Hajj:
Are you willing to perform Hajj this year? First of all, note that it’s a huge privilege to be planning and executing the Hajj journey. Considering that it’s going to be one of the most important expeditions in your life, you should understand Hajj completely, including the type of Hajj you are going to perform.
There are 3 main types of Hajj, which are
- Hajj-ul-Ifrad
- Hajj-ul-Qiran
- Hajj-ul-Tamattu
What is Hajj-ul Ifrad?
Hajj-ul-Ifrad is also known as an “isolated Hajj”, it is performed by the residents of Miqat, haram, and Jeddah. When the pilgrims wear ihram, they wear it only to perform Hajj, not to perform Umrah. It’s this intention that differentiates Hajj-ul-Ifrad from the rest of the forms of Hajj, both of which involve Umrah.
A pilgrim who performs an Umrah before engaging in Hajj rituals is no longer a Mufrid (a person who performs Hajj-ul-Ifrad). They are required to perform either of the two other types of Hajj i.e Hajj ul Qiran or Hajj ul Tmattu.
As a Mufrid, you should not exit the state of Ihram until you are done throwing stones at Jamarat. The practice of stoning Jamrah Al Aqabah is performed on the day of Eid. Although you are not required to offer animal sacrifice when performing Hajj-ul-Ifrad, you may do so if you want to.
What is Hajj ul Qiran?
It is truly a blessing for Muslims who lives far away from the Holy Mosque, Masjid al-Haram. It allows them to perform both Hajj and Umrah in a single visit. In fact, the Qarin (a person who performs Hajj-ul-Qiran) must enter the state of Ihram with the intention to perform both Hajj and Umrah. The pilgrim should to perform Umrah first and then proceed to Hajj. Regardless of the length of duration between the two rituals, the Qarin must perform Hajj and Umrah in the same Ihram and not remove them.
The common practice for the pilgrim is to perform Umrah during the first 8 days of Dhul-Hijjah. Since you’ll stay in the state of ihram between Umrah and Hajj, this approach is the most convenient.
Upon reaching Masjid al-Haram, Makkah, the pilgrim starts with Tawaf and Saee, the two main and most important practices in Umrah. After performing Umrah, you can clip your hair but not shave until you’ve performed Hajj and offered animal sacrifice. Keep in mind that animal sacrifice is a mandatory practice in Hajj-ul-Qiran, unlike the case for Hajj-ul-Ifrad.
What is Hajj ul Tamattu?
Hajj-ul-Tamattu is the third type of Hajj. Again, the pilgrim is supposed to perform Umrah before Hajj, but he is not obliged to perform the two rituals in the same Ihram. A Mutamatti ( A person who performs Hajj ul Tamattu) enters the state of Ihram with the intention of performing Umrah only. Once they’ve performed the Umrah, they’ll exit the state of Ihram and re-enter a new Ihram when proceeding to Hajj on the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah. This way, they’re relieved of the restrictions imposed by Ihram during the time between Umrah and Hajj.
It’s very important to understand that Umrah must be performed during the Hajj season. Any Umrah that’s performed before the start of Shawwal or during the days of Hajj is considered invalid. Also, anyone who performs Umrah as part of Hajj-ul-Tamattu can’t leave without performing Hajj. No matter what, they must perform Hajj before going back to their destinations. Hence, even if you’re a resident of Saudi Arabia, avoid departing from Mecca if you’re unsure that you’ll be able to return and enter the state of Ihram in time.
In the case of Hajj-ul-Qiran, a pilgrim must offer an animal sacrifice when performing Hajj-ul-Tamattu. If for any reason, you can’t offer animal sacrifice, you must conduct a 10-day fast as a substitute. However, do not fast during the day of Eid-ul-Adha; it’s forbidden to fast on the three days of Eid.
Which is the Right Type of Hajj to Perform?
The right type of Hajj depends on where you’re located, how much time you have before the days of Hajj, and your reservations. For example, if you’re a resident of the city of Jeddah and only have a day or two before the Hajj commences, Hajj-ul-Ifraad may be an ideal decision for you. When you make an intention to perform Hajj-ul-Ifrad, you won’t be required to perform Umrah and thus won’t risk getting late for Hajj, the more important of the two rituals. However, if you do have a few days before Hajj begins, you can either perform Hajj-ul-Qiran or Hajj-ul-Tamattu.
On the other hand, if you are a resident of any other country such as UK, the only two options you have include Hajj-ul-Qiran and Hajj-ul-Tamattu. So, how do you decide between these two types? It depends on when you plan to perform the Umrah. If you’re arriving at Masjid al-Haram weeks before the Hajj days, it’s best to make an intention of Hajj-ul-Tamattu, so that you don’t have to abide by the restrictions imposed by Ihram during the extended period between Umrah and Hajj. Most Muslims from around the world spend 4 to 5 weeks in Mecca, so they choose Hajj-ul-Tamattu, making it the most commonly performed Hajj type.
If you plan to arrive at Masjid-al-Haram a day or two before the Hajj days, and you’re confident that you can abide by the rules of Ihram during the short time between Umrah and Hajj, you can choose Hajj-ul-Qiran instead.
Summary of the different types of Hajj
Summing it all up, there are three types of Hajj in Islam. Pilgrims’ choices primarily differ in terms of the locations of pilgrims, whether they must be accompanied by an Umrah or not, the Ihram restrictions, and whether or not an animal sacrifice is mandatory.
After going through this guide, you should make an informed decision about which type of Hajj is right for you. Since the intention of Hajj is crucial to the correct performance and acceptance of the ritual, make sure you don’t make a mistake at this step.
You’re now all set to embark on the divine journey. May you have a remarkable Hajj that’s full of blessings, and May Allah accept it in His books.
