Hajj is among the 5 pillars of Islam. It is compulsory for a Muslim to perform Hajj at least once in the life if he or she is physically and economically well enough. Millions of Muslims from around the globe reach Saudi Arabia each year to perform Hajj rituals and seek forgiveness from Allah for their past sins. Hajj is performed in the month of ZulHaj (12th month in Hijri Calendar).
There are three types of Hajj named as Hajj Tamattu, Hajj Qiran and Hajj Ifrad. In this post, we will explain the difference between these three types of Haj.
What is Haj Tamattu?
Hajj Tamattu is the most commonly opted form of Hajj by the majority of Hajj especially those coming from outside the kingdom. In this type of Hajj, Haji enters in the state of Ihram from the Meeqat with the intention (Niyyah) of Umrah only and performs Umrah with Tawaf and Saa’i and then he can come out of Ihram after getting his hairs clipped/trimmed/shaved.
Next, on the day of Tarweiyah (8th Zulhaj), he comes in the state of Ihram once again. This time he wears Ihram with the intention of Hajj Only. All rituals of Hajj are then performed to complete the hajj.
What is Hajj Qiran?
In Hajj Qiran, a pilgrim combines Hajj and Umrah. He assumes Ihram with the intention to accomplish both. The pilgrim who performs this kind of Hajj is called a Qarin.
Qarin wears Ihram first for Umrah and then for Hajj making his intentions for Hajj just before performing Tawaf for Hajj. The obligations on one performing Hajj-ul-Qiran are the same as the one performing Ifrad, except that the former must slaughter whereas the latter is not obligated to do so.
What is Hajj Ifrad?
Hajj Ifrad is the simplest form of Hajj. It is mostly preferred by those residing in Makkah or nearby regions. A pilgrim enters into the state of Ihram with the intention of performing Hajj only before passing through the Meeqat (place for assuming ihram). The pilgrim does not combine Hajj with Umrah and makes sure not to perform umrah in the months of Hajj. The person performing Hajj-ul-Ifrad is called Mufrid.
Main Differences Between Tamattu, Qiran and Ifrad
Following are some of the major differences between 3 types of Hajj.
1. In Haj Ifrad, Adahi (Sacrifice of animal) is optional while it is mandatory otherwise.
2. For Hajj Ifrad, Niyyah (intention) of only Hajj is made while in case of Qiran, intention of both Hajj and Umrah are combined. In case of Tamattu, first Umrah is performed in Hajj Months and then another intention with Ihram is made on 8th Dul Hijjah for Hajj.
Which Type of Hajj Should I do?
Different school of thoughts have varied viewpoint about 3 types of Hajj and recommendations about them. Consult with scholars of your specific school of thought to decide which type of Hajj should be chosen.
In another article and its associated video, we explained Local Hajj Guide based on personal experience which you can refer to understand all the steps involved in performing Hajj locally in Saudi Arabia as iqama holder resident or citizen.