Different Types of Hajj in Islam

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and it is one of the most important spiritual journeys a Muslim can embark on in their life. Taking place during the month of Dhul Hijjah, hajj is not a simple physical journey to Makkah, but a rather spiritual experience of obedience to the Almighty Allah.

The Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah is a sacred journey that every physically and financially capable Muslim must undertake at least once during their lifetime. Every year, millions of Muslims make their way to the holy city of Makkah in an unmatched display of unity making Hajj not only a spiritual experience but also a visual spectacle.

The Prophet Ibrahim (AS) established the original Hajj rituals and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) later perfected the rituals. The journey of Hajj involves several rituals like wearing an Ihram, circumambulation around Kaaba (Tawaf), running between the hills of Safa and Marwah (Sa’i), a day at Arafat and throwing stones at Mina in the symbolic stoning of the devil.

Every ritual is deeply rooted in historical and spiritual significance that brings pilgrims closer to Allah and fosters a sense of equality and humility.

In this blog, we will explore the different types of Hajj in Islam, their highlighting, especially the features, significance, and other important details. Irrespective of whether you are planning to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage or simply reading up on the topic, this blog is going to illuminate an important spiritual subject.

Table of Contents

What is the Importance of Hajj?

Hajj being one of the five pillars of Islam automatically makes it one of the most important undertakings for Muslims globally. But, it is more than just a religious obligation – it is once in a lifetime opportunity that will transform any believer’s life. The hajj pilgrimage is also a declaration of unity, and brotherhood and a symbol of equality amongst Muslims globally.

The Holy Quran mentions in Surah Al-Imran (3:97)
“In it, there are clear signs and the station of Abraham; whoever enters it becomes secure. Pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to Allah by all who can make their way to it. As for those who refuse to follow His command, surely Allah does not stand in need of anything.” (Transaltion – ABUL ALA MAUDUDI)

The pilgrimage of Hajj cleanses the spirit, washes away past sins, and strengthens the relationship of the pilgrim with the Almighty. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said;

“Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of Allah and does not utter any obscene speech or do any evil deed will return (after Hajj free from all sins) as he was on the day his mother gave birth to him.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

Whar are the Different Types of Hajj?

It may come as a surprise but there are different types of Hajj pilgrimages depending on the combination of rituals. The core rituals of the Hajj pilgrimage (Tawaf, Sa’i, Wuzu, standing at Arafat, etc.) remain the same in all types of Hajj.

The differences arise from the timing and sequence of performing Umrah along with Hajj. The three types of Hajj in Islam are as follows;

Hajj al-Tamattu’
Hajj al-Ifrad
Hajj al-Qiran

1. Hajj al-Tamattu’

The word Tamattu’ literally means “enjoyment,” and in connection with Hajj, it refers to being able to enjoy some freedom of not being in a constant state of Ihram between Umrah and Hajj. A majority of those performing this form of Hajj are international pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

How it works:

The pilgrim performs Umrah during the Hajj season (from when Shawwal starts until the eighth day of Dhul Hijjah) before the actual Hajj.

Once the rituals of Umrah are completed, the pilgrims can exit the state of Ihram meaning they can wear regular clothes and carry on living normally as they would.

The pilgrim enters the state of Ihram once more, on the eighth day of Dhul Hijjah, this time with the intention of performing the pilgrimage of Hajj.

From the moment pilgrims enter the state of Ihram to perform Hajj, they engage in all the rituals of Hajj starting from the Day of Tarwiyah (8th Dhul Hijjah) until Eid and the Days of Tashreeq.

A differentiating factor in Hajj al-Tamattu’ is the sacrifice of an animal (Hady) is involved. Arrangements for the ritual can be made beforehand, or a sacrifice may be purchased through a registered service provider in Makkah.

Note: With Hajj al-Tamattu’, pilgrims have the option to rest between rituals of Umrah and Hajj, which makes it practical for those who may not be used to the physical demands of performing Umrah and Hajj together.

2. Hajj al-Ifrad

The word Ifrad means “singling out” or “doing one thing only.” It is the simplest type of Hajj. In this type, the pilgrim focuses only on Hajj without performing Umrah. Pilgrims performing Hajj al-Ifrad cannot combine Hajj with Umrah or else they will not be performing this Hajj anymore.

How it works:

Without performing prior Umrah, the pilgrims enter the state of Ihram with the intention to perform only Hajj.

Unlike Hajj al-Tamattu’ where pilgrims rest between two states of Ihram, in this Hajj type, they remain in the constant state of Ihram from the beginning of the pilgrimage until the end of all the Hajj rituals.

After entering the state of Ihram, pilgrims perform all the Hajj duties, including standing in Arafat, staying in Muzdalifah, stoning the Jamarat, and Tawaf al-Ifadah.

No animal sacrifice (Hady) is required in Hajj al-Ifrad, although it is recommended if one wishes to do so.

Note: This option is easier for local pilgrims who don’t need to perform Umrah separately and can focus solely on Hajj.

3. Hajj al-Qiran – Umrah and Hajj Together

Qiran refers to combining or joining together. In this form of Hajj, one does Umrah and Hajj combined in a single state of Ihram. The pilgrim must perform Umrah and Hajj in the same ihram, irrespective of how long the duration between the two rituals.

Hajj al-Qiran is usually the pilgrimage of choice for spiritually and physiologically capable pilgrims, who prefer staying in Ihram for extended periods.

The pilgrim goes into the state of Ihram with the intention of performing Umrah and Hajj at the same time.

They start by completing the rituals of Umrah and stay in the state of Ihram.

They remain in Ihram throughout until the end of all rituals of Hajj are completed.

A sacrifice of an animal (Hady) is obligatory in Hajj al-Qiran like it is in Hajj al-Tamattu’

Note: It has more spiritual reward because the pilgrim remains in a prolonged state of Ihram continuously engaging in worship. However, it calls for a greater deal of patience and physical endurance.

Differences between the different Types of Hajj

Also Read:- Riazul Jannah – A Garden of Paradise

Hajj Type	Umrah Included	Ihram Duration	Hady (Sacrifice)	Best Suited For
Tamattu’	Yes	Two Ihrams	Yes	International Pilgrims
Ifrad	No	One Ihram	No	Local Residents
Qiran	Yes	One Ihram	Yes	Spiritually devoted pilgrims

Final Thought

Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage that necessitates sincere intention, physical preparation and a spiritual focus. Although the main rituals of Hajj are unchanged, there are three different varieties of Hajj, namely — Tamattu’, Ifrad & Qiran.

Each type of hajj offers the pilgrims flexibility to undertake the one according to their circumstances and preferences. Each form of Hajj is based on the Sunnah and is endowed with its own merits.

For the first time international Hajj pilgrims, Hajj al-Tamattu’ is the most practical and spiritually rewardable choice. It provides the chance to undertake both Umrah and Hajj with a brief interval between the two. Irrespective of which hajj type you decide to perform, the ultimate aim remains the same – to strengthen the spiritual bond, to be forgiven and return with a purified soul.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I choose to undertake any type of Hajj?

A.Yes, you are free to choose any of the three types as they are all valid and rooted in Sunnah. However, the choice depends on your travel plans, physical capacity, and intention. If you are an international traveller, Hajj al-Tamattu’ is most common.

Q. Is animal sacrifice mandatory in all types of Hajj?

A. No, animal sacrifice is not mandatory in all types of Hajj. It is compulsory for Hajj al-Tamattu’ and Hajj al-Qiran, but not required in Hajj al-Ifrad.

Q. Which is the best type of Hajj to perform?

A. There is no better or worse type of hajj, they are all regarded equally. Which type of hajj you perform depends on where you are travelling from, your physical preparation, how much time you have before the hajj begins and so on.