Which type of hajj to choose?
Hajj Ifrad: Hajj only, without ‘umrah.
- A person performing Ifrad Hajj is called Mufrid
- In this type of Hajj, Mufrid enter into Ihram with an intention to perform Hajj only
Hajj Qiran:‘Umrah and Hajj with a single Ihram
- One who performs Qiran is called a Qarin
- In Qiran Hajj, Qaarin enters into Ihram with an intention to perform ‘umrah and Hajj together, without any break in between
- Some scholars rule that for this type of Hajj, it is a prerequisite for the pilgrim (Qaarin) to have the sacrificial animal with them
Hajj Tamattu:‘Umrah and Hajj with a break in between (involves two separate Ihrams)
- The performer of this Hajj is called a Mutamatti
- In this type of Hajj, the pilgrims enter into Ihram with an intention to perform ‘umrah first, and then complete all ‘umrah rites with one Ihram before starting of Hajj
- Thereafter, before leaving for Mina on or before 8th Dhul-hijja , the pilgrims (Mutamatti) enter into Ihram again with an intention to perform Hajj only and complete all Hajj rites
Which type of hajj is the best?
There is disagreement among scholars about this. Some hold opinion that Tammattu is better while others think it is Ifrad. A third group of scholars are in favour of Qiran.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) did perform Qiran Hajj, however, he recommended his companions to do Tammattu. When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) arrived in Makkah and did the Tawaf on arrival, he told his companions to complete their `’umrah and release themselves from ihram. They wondered at that and questioned him, specially as they saw that he himself did not do what he told them to do. The Prophet (pbuh) replied and said: “You know that I fear Allah the most, and that I am the most truthful, and the most pious amongst you. If I had not brought my sacrificial animals with me, I also would have terminated my state of Ihram. If I were to come (to Makkah) again, I shall not bring the sacrificial animals with me. So terminate your state of Ihram.” The companions listened and obeyed the Prophet (pbuh). (Sahih Al-Bukhari 26:713)
Distinctions and commonalities between different types of Hajj
Topic |
Ifrad |
Qiran |
Tamattu |
| Miqat | Adopt Ihram and utter niyah before crossing the miqat boundary. | Adopt Ihram and utter niyah before crossing the miqat boundary. | Adopt Ihram and utter niyah before crossing the miqat boundary. |
| Adopt Ihram | Once | Once | Twice One for ‘umrah and the other for Hajj |
| Released from Ihram restrictions before Hajj | No | No | Yes After ‘umrah |
| Wording for Niyah (Intention) |
لَبَّيْكَ الَّهُمَّ حَجّاً“Labbayk Allahumma Hajjan” لَبَّيْكَ حَجّاً“Labbayka Hajjan” “O Allah here I am performing Hajj.” |
لَبَّيْكَ الَّهُمَّ عُمْرَةً وَ حَجّاً“Labbayk Allahumma ‘Umratan wa Hajjan” لَبَّيْكَ عُمْرَةً وَ حَجّاً“Labbayka ‘Umratan wa Hajjan” “O Allah here I am performing ‘Umrah and Hajj.” |
For ‘Umrah: لَبَّيْكَ الَّهُمَّ عُمْرَةًLabbayk Allahumma ‘Umrah لَبَّيْكَ عُمْرَةًLabbayka ‘Umrah For Hajj: لَبَّيْكَ الَّهُمَّ حَجّاً“Labbayk Allahumma Hajjan” لَبَّيْكَ حَجّاً“Labbayka Hajjan” |
| Changing Niyah | Can change Niyah | Can change Niyah | Conditional |
| Tawaf |
Perform:
|
Perform:
|
Perform:
|
| Raml during Tawaf (men only) | Yes at 1st Tawaf (Welcome Tawaf) |
Yes at 1st Tawaf (Welcome Tawaf) |
Yes at 1st Tawaf (‘Umrah Tawaf) |
| Number of Sa’i | 1 for Hajj only |
1 for Hajj only |
2 One for ‘umrah and the other for Hajj |
| Encampment in Mina | Yes On 8th, 10th, 11th, 12th Dul-hijja and 13th (Optional) |
Yes On 8th, 10th, 11th, 12th Dhul-hijja and 13th (Optional) |
Yes On 8th, 10th, 11th, 12th Dul-hijja and 13th (Optional) |
| Standing in Arafat | Yes on 9th Dhul-hijja |
Yes on 9th Dhul-hijja |
Yes on 9th Dhul-hijja |
| Spending night in Muzdalifa | Yes on 9th Dhul-hijja |
Yes on 9th Dhul-hijjah |
Yes on 9th Dhul-hijjah |
| Throwing pebbles at Jamarat | Yes On 10th, 11th, 12th Dul-hijja and 13th (Optional) |
Yes On 10th, 11th, 12th Dul-hijja and 13th (Optional) |
Yes On 10th, 11th, 12th Dul-hijja and 13th (Optional) |
| Shave or Hair cut | Once after throwing pebbles at big Jamrah on 10th Dhul-hijja |
Once after throwing pebbles at big Jamrah on 10th Dhul-hijja |
Twice 1st time after ‘umrah and the 2nd time after throwing pebbles at big Jamrah on 10th Dhul-hijja |
| Perform Hady (sacrifice) | Optional | Yes | Yes |
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