As the Hajj season approaches, millions of Muslims prepare for the holy journey. Some may be traveling for the first time, while some may be habitual pilgrims. So how does the sacred journey differ for different types of pilgrims? Read this article for a clearer understanding of the different types of Hajj.

The Three Types of Hajj

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is obligatory for mentally, physically, and financially sound Muslims. To facilitate Muslims, Allah makes things easier. As an illustration, there are three basic types of Hajj. Every type offers a different experience, according to the pilgrim’s convenience and preference.

Hajj Al-Ifrad

Hajj Al-Ifrad is for the locals living in Makkah or nearby areas. The pilgrims enter Ihram to perform Hajj only. They assume Ihram from Miqat and then perform the Hajj rituals from the 8th to the 13th of Dhul Hijjah. Pilgrims performing Hajj al-Ifrad do not have to make sacrifices, although if they do, it will earn them a reward. They assume Ihram till they complete stoning at Jamarat on Eid day. The Mufrid, the person performing Hajj al-Ifrad, does not perform Umrah in this Hajj. It is a short trip with fewer rituals, therefore ideal for those who are living in the vicinity and can perform Umrah whenever they wish. Similarly, those who have made a sudden plan for Hajj and are short on time can also opt for this category of Hajj.

Hajj Al-Qiran

Qiran in Arabic means to combine two things. Therefore, Hajj al-Qiran is the Hajj in which the pilgrim, also called Qarin, performs both Hajj and Umrah in a single Ihram. To perform Hajj al-Qiran, the Qarin enters Ihram from Miqat intending to perform both Hajj and Umrah. Then he performs Umrah first and the next Hajj. Hence the days for Hajj Al-Qiran are likely to be just before Hajj days. Some pilgrims land in Saudi Arabia for Hajj just before the 8th Dhul Hijjah. These pilgrims opt for Hajj al-Qiran to gain extended rewards and enhanced spirituality.

Qarin performs Umrah rituals like Tawaf and Sai as usual. After Umrah, he only trims his hair, leaving head shaving for Hajj completion. Unlike a Mufrid, sacrifice is obligatory for a Qarin.

Hajj al-Qiran is an ideal option for those who have limited time but wish to gain as much reward as possible.

Hajj Al-Tamattu

Lastly, Hajj al-Tamattu is the most common type that most non-locals perform. As with Hajj al-Qiran, Hajj al-Tamattu also combines Hajj with Umrah. However, unlike the former, in Hajj al-Tamattu, the pilgrim can exit Ihram regardless of the gap between the two holy journeys. The pilgrim, also called Mutamatti, assumes different Ihrams for Umrah and Hajj. This relieves the pilgrims from following the conditions of Ihram for consecutive days for Umrah and Hajj.

Hajj al-Tamattu is for those who live at least 48 miles away from Makkah. The Mutamatti performs Umrah during the Hajj months, including Shawwal, Ziqad, and the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. He exits Ihram and then enters another Ihram intending to perform Hajj. Hajj al-Tamattu lets pilgrims perform the holy journeys without any pressure. It lets them enjoy the spiritual journey to the fullest. According to hadith, our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) preferred this type of Hajj for the believers, as it makes the journey easier and more fulfilling. Many Muslims save money all their lives for Hajj. Many travel for miles to perform Hajj. For example, a pilgrim planning for Hajj 2025 from New York would wish to perform the journey with complete dedication and convenience. International and first-time pilgrims perform Hajj al-Tamattu.

Concluding Remarks

Allah wishes to make things easier for us so that we strengthen our bond with Him. As an illustration, the three types of Hajj facilitate pilgrims with different requirements, time availability, and financial strength. However, the purpose and reward for all the types of Hajj are the same. Hence, do not postpone your Hajj due to time or financial constraints. Plan your holy journey with the best Hajj operator to guide you about the most suitable Hajj type for you.