What are the 3 Types of Hajj in Islam?

The three types of hajj are the Hajj al-Ifrad, Hajj al-Qiran, and Hajj al-Tamattu.

If you plan to perform Hajj, you can choose from three modes: Ifrad, Tamattu, or Qiran. Each mode provides pilgrims with options for conveniently performing Umrah and/or Hajj.

But how do you know which type of Hajj suits your needs?

Let’s take a closer look at the differences between these three types of Hajj.

Hajj al-Ifrad (Hajj Only)

Hajj-ul-Ifrad is considered the simplest type of Hajj, and pilgrims performing it are called Mufrid. This type of Hajj is typically performed by residents of Makkah. It is also performed by those within the Miqat boundaries, such as people living in Jeddah.

Since it is not paired with Umrah, Hajj-ul-Ifrad is also known as the "isolated Hajj." Pilgrims performing Hajj-ul-Ifrad cannot combine it with Umrah, as this Hajj is intended solely for Hajj rituals.

If a person performs Umrah during the Islamic months of Shawwal, Dhul Qadah, or Dhul al-Hijjah (the months of Hajj), they are no longer performing Hajj-ul-Ifrad. Instead, they must complete one of the other types of Hajj. To perform Hajj-ul-Ifrad, pilgrims enter Ihram intending to perform Hajj alone and declare this intention.

Upon reaching Makkah, pilgrims complete Tawaf and Sa'i as part of their arrival ritual. They do not cut their hair to remain in the state of Ihram. A Mufrid stays in Ihram after stoning at Jamarat and may offer a sacrifice, although it is not obligatory.

Example

Ahmad, who lives in Saudi Arabia, frequently performs Umrah during his vacations. Inspired by scenes of pilgrims on TV, he decided to perform Hajj on Dhul-Hijjah 8.

Due to time constraints, he chose to perform only Hajj, having already completed Umrah in previous years. He selected the Ifrad mode, which involves performing the rituals of Hajj alone.

Hajj al-Qiran (Umrah Merged with Hajj)

The literal meaning of Qiran is to combine two things, and this type of Hajj is known as accompanied Hajj. Hajj al-Qiran combines both Hajj and Umrah in a single visit. It is a concession from Allah SWT for those who live far from the sacred mosque, Masjid al-Haram.

The Qarin, or the pilgrim performing this type of Hajj, may complete Umrah during the months of Shawal and Dhul Qadah. However, it is more commonly done within the first eight days of Dhul al-Hijjah. A Qarin must perform both Umrah and Hajj in the same Ihram, regardless of the time between the two rituals.

The pilgrim begins with Umrah, then proceeds to Hajj, wearing Ihram for both rituals. They start with performing Tawaf and Sa’i in Masjid al-Haram, which are the two key practices of Umrah. After completing Umrah, the pilgrim trims their hair but must not shave until after completing Hajj.

The obligations for Qarin are similar to those of Mufrid, with the exception that those performing Hajj al-Qiran must sacrifice an animal (Udhiya/Qurbani). Those performing Hajj al-Ifrad are not required to do so.

Example

Hamza, a busy businessman with limited time, has only 5 days for his Hajj trip. He plans to travel on Dhul al-Hijjah 8 and return on Dhul al-Hijjah 12. Given the time constraints, the best option for him is to perform Hajj al-Qiran. This method allows him to perform both Umrah and Hajj on the same trip, making the most of his limited time.

Hajj al-Tamattu (Umrah Followed with Hajj)

The final type of Hajj is Hajj al-Tamattu, which means to enjoy or benefit from a facility. Similar to Hajj al-Qiran, Hajj al-tamattu combines both Umrah and Hajj, but there is a key difference between Umrah and Hajj.

In Hajj al-Tamattu, after completing Umrah, the pilgrim, known as the Mutamatti, is allowed to exit the state of Ihram. They are not required to remain in the same Ihram for the entirety of the rituals.

The Mutamatti enters the state of Ihram to perform Umrah alone, exiting the state of Ihram after completing it. On the eighth of Dhul-Hijjah, as they proceed to Hajj, they enter a new state of Ihram.

This allows them relief from the restrictions of Ihram during the period between Umrah and Hajj. Hajj al-Tamattu is only available to those who live more than 48 miles from Makkah. Additionally, Umrah must be performed during the Hajj season.

Umrah is considered invalid if performed before Shawwal or during the days of Hajj. Additionally, the pilgrim performing Umrah as part of Hajj al-Tamattu is not permitted to leave without completing Hajj.

Like Hajj al-Qiran, the Mutamatti must offer an animal sacrifice during the pilgrimage. If they fail to do so, they must fast for the first ten days of Dhul al-Hijjah, excluding Eid al-Adha.

Example

Akbar is preparing to perform Hajj al-Tamattu this year after saving money for years, making his dream possible. He selects a Hajj package offering a two-week stay in Makkah before the official Hajj rituals begin in Dhul-Hijjah.

Akbar decides to perform both Umrah and Hajj, as this may be his only chance to complete both worships. Upon arriving in Makkah, he enters the Ihram for Umrah, performs the rituals, then exits the Ihram and enjoys his stay.

On the eighth of Dhul-Hijjah, he re-enters Ihram to proceed with Hajj, fulfilling the requirements of Hajj al-Tamattu.

In conclusion, there are three types of Hajj in Islam, hajj al-ifrad, hajj al-Qiran, and hajj al-tamattu. The differences primarily lie in the pilgrim's location and whether an Umrah is required. Additional variations include Ihram restrictions and the requirement of an animal sacrifice.

After reviewing this guide, you should be able to make an informed decision on which type of Hajj suits you best. Since the intention behind Hajj is crucial for its proper execution and acceptance, it must be made with sincerity. 

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