The Different Types of Hajj: Tamattu, Qiran, & Ifrad

The Different Types of Hajj: Tamattu, Qiran, & Ifrad

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and a sacred journey that every Muslim who has the means must undertake at least once in their lifetime. It is a profound spiritual experience that brings believers closer to Allah (SWT) and serves as a reminder of the unity and equality of all Muslims. However, many people may not be aware that there are three different types of Hajj: Hajj al-Tamattu, Hajj al-Qiran, and Hajj al-Ifrad. Each type has unique rules and rituals, allowing flexibility based on a pilgrim’s circumstances.

Hajj al-Tamattu involves performing Umrah first, exiting Ihram, and then re-entering Ihram for Hajj. Hajj al-Qiran requires performing both Umrah and Hajj together without exiting Ihram. Hajj al-Ifrad is performed by those who only perform Hajj without Umrah. Each type has its own merits, and pilgrims must choose the one most suitable for them.

In this article, we will explore the differences between these three types of Hajj in detail, along with the Quranic and Hadith references that establish their legitimacy. Understanding these distinctions will help pilgrims prepare better and fulfill their obligations with sincerity and devotion.

Understanding the Three Types of Hajj

Hajj al-Tamattu (التَّمَتُّعُ)

Hajj al-Tamattu is the most recommended and preferred type of Hajj, especially for those who are not residents of Makkah. It is called “Tamattu” because it allows the pilgrim to enjoy a break between performing Umrah and Hajj.

Steps of Hajj al-Tamattu

• Entering the State of Ihram for Umrah

  • The pilgrim begins by making the intention (niyyah) for Umrah at the designated Miqat (station for assuming Ihram).
  • They enter Ihram while reciting:

لَبَّيْكَ اللّهُمَّ عُمْرَةً
“Labbayk Allahumma Umrah”
(O Allah, I am here to perform Umrah).

• Performing Umrah

  • The pilgrim performs Tawaf (circumambulation around the Kaaba), followed by Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwah).
  • After completing Umrah, they exit the state of Ihram by cutting or shaving their hair.

• Entering Ihram Again for Hajj

  • On the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah (the Day of Tarwiyah), the pilgrim re-enters the state of Ihram with the intention of Hajj.
  • They recite:

لَبَّيْكَ اللّهُمَّ حَجًّا
“Labbayk Allahumma Hajj”
(O Allah, I am here to perform Hajj).

• Performing the Rituals of Hajj

  • The pilgrim follows all the rites of Hajj, including staying at Mina, standing at Arafat, spending the night in Muzdalifah, stoning the Jamarat, sacrificing an animal, and performing Tawaf al-Ifadah.

• Hady (Sacrificial Animal) is Required

  • Pilgrims performing Hajj al-Tamattu must sacrifice an animal as part of their pilgrimage.

Quranic and Hadith Evidence for Hajj al-Tamattu

• Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:

  فَمَن تَمَتَّعَ بِالْعُمْرَةِ إِلَى الْحَجِّ فَمَا اسْتَيْسَرَ مِنَ الْهَدْيِ
  “Whoever performs Umrah during the months of Hajj, followed by Hajj, must offer a sacrifice that is easy for him.”
  (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:196)

• The Prophet (PBUH) said:

  لَوْ اسْتَقْبَلْتُ مِنْ أَمْرِي مَا اسْتَدْبَرْتُ مَا سُقْتُ الْهَدْيَ وَلَجَعَلْتُهَا عُمْرَةً
  “If I had known what I know now, I would not have brought the sacrificial animal and would have performed Umrah first.”
  (Sahih al-Bukhari)

This hadith shows that if the Prophet (PBUH) had not brought his sacrificial animal, he would have performed Hajj al-Tamattu.

Hajj al-Qiran (الْقِرَانُ)

Hajj al-Qiran means combining Hajj and Umrah together without exiting Ihram. In this type, the pilgrim performs both Umrah and Hajj with a single Ihram and does not shave or cut their hair after Umrah.

Steps of Hajj al-Qiran

• Entering Ihram with the Intention of Both Hajj and Umrah

  • At the Miqat, the pilgrim makes the intention for both Hajj and Umrah together, saying:
    لَبَّيْكَ اللّهُمَّ عُمْرَةً وَحَجًّا
    “Labbayk Allahumma Umrah wa Hajj”
    (O Allah, I am here to perform Umrah and Hajj together).

• Performing Umrah Without Exiting Ihram

  • The pilgrim performs Tawaf and Sa’i for Umrah but does not shave or cut their hair.
  • They remain in Ihram until they complete all the rites of Hajj.

• Performing the Rituals of Hajj

  • The pilgrim continues with the rites of Hajj while staying in the state of Ihram.

• Hady (Sacrificial Animal) is Required

  • The pilgrim must offer a sacrificial animal.

Quranic and Hadith Evidence for Hajj al-Qiran

• Allah (SWT) says:

  وَأَتِمُّوا الْحَجَّ وَالْعُمْرَةَ لِلَّهِ
  “And complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah.”
  (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:196)

• The Prophet (PBUH) said:

  إِنَّ أَحَدَكُمْ يَأْتِي يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ بِعَمَلِهِ كُلِّهِ وَإِنَّ أَبَا قَتَادَةَ جَاءَ بِعُمْرَتِهِ وَحَجِّهِ مَعًا
  “One of you will come on the Day of Judgment with all of his deeds, while Abu Qatadah will come with both his Umrah and Hajj together.”
  (Sunan Ibn Majah)

Hajj al-Ifrad (الإِفْرَادُ)

Hajj al-Ifrad is the simplest form of Hajj. It is performed without Umrah and is commonly done by the residents of Makkah.

Steps of Hajj al-Ifrad

• Entering Ihram for Hajj Only

  • The pilgrim makes the intention for Hajj alone at the Miqat, saying:

لَبَّيْكَ اللّهُمَّ حَجًّا
“Labbayk Allahumma Hajj”
(O Allah, I am here to perform Hajj).

• Performing the Rituals of Hajj

  • The pilgrim proceeds directly to Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah without performing Umrah.

• No Sacrificial Animal Required

  • Unlike Hajj al-Tamattu and Hajj al-Qiran, there is no requirement to offer a sacrificial animal in Hajj al-Ifrad.

Quranic and Hadith Evidence for Hajj al-Ifrad

• The Prophet (PBUH) said:

  حَجُّ المُفْرِدِ لاَ يَجِبُ عَلَيْهِ هَدْيٌ
  “A person performing Hajj al-Ifrad does not need to offer a sacrifice.”
  (Sunan Abu Dawood)

Conclusion

Hajj is one of the greatest acts of worship in Islam, and understanding its different types—Hajj al-Tamattu, Hajj al-Qiran, and Hajj al-Ifrad—is essential for every pilgrim. Each type has its own rulings and requirements, allowing flexibility based on a pilgrim’s circumstances. Hajj al-Tamattu is the most recommended for non-residents of Makkah, as it allows for a break between Umrah and Hajj. Hajj al-Qiran is for those who want to perform both Umrah and Hajj together in a single Ihram, while Hajj al-Ifrad is for those performing only Hajj without Umrah, commonly chosen by residents of Makkah.

The Quran and Sunnah provide clear guidance on these types of Hajj, emphasizing the importance of sincerity, devotion, and adherence to prophetic traditions. The ultimate goal of Hajj is to attain closeness to Allah (SWT), seek forgiveness, and purify the heart. Every pilgrim should prepare well, follow the correct procedures, and perform Hajj with sincerity and humility.

May Allah (SWT) accept the Hajj of all pilgrims, grant them ease in their journey, and reward them abundantly in this life and the Hereafter. Ameen.

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