Types of Hajj

Following are the three types of Hajj (Decide the type of Hajj you will undertake):

1. Hajj-e-Tamattu

This is the best amongst the three types of Hajj.

Pilgrims performing this type of Hajj is called a ‘Mutammati’.
It involves a complete Umrah then a Complete Hajj (in separate Ihraam).
Hajj-e-Tamattu is combined with two intentions (Niyya). First for Umrah and then for Hajj.
A pilgrim wears Ihraam for Umrah only during the months of Hajj i-e Shawwal, Dhul Qidah and Dhul Hijjah.
When you reach Makkah, you perform Tawaf and Sa'yee for Umrah only.
Then shave or trim your hair after completing Umrah and exit the state of Ihraam. Then you can enjoy the benefits of normal life till the day of Tarwiyah (8th Dhul Hijjah) when the rituals of Hajj are started.
Sahih Bukhari: 1561


On the seventh or eighth of Dhul-Hijjah, you put on Ihraam for Hajj only and carries out all of its requirements. There is no need for you to go to Meeqat to enter Ihraam for Hajj and you can enter the state of Ihraam from the place where you are staying in Makkah. You will also not perform Tawaf Al-Qudoom (Tawaf of arrival).
On 8th Dhul-Hijjah, leave for Mina and keep reciting Talbiyah.
Slaughter/Sacrifice of animal is a must in this type of Hajj.
Those living in Makkah and its vicinity cannot perform Hajj-e-Tamattu.
All pilgrims travelling from other countries perform this type of Hajj.

Ihraam for Hajj-e-Tamattu

Before the Fajar prayer of eighth Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims will put on Ihraam for Hajj only and carries out all of its requirements. There is no need for the pilgrims to go to Meeqat to enter Ihraam for Hajj-e-Tamattu and pilgrims can enter Ihraam from the place where they are staying in Makkah.
Then, you will proceed to Mina.
Rest of the rituals of Hajj are same (please go to Day-1 of Hajj).

2. Hajj-e-Qiran

Pilgrim performing this type of Hajj is called a ‘Qaarin’.
You will enter into a state of Ihraam from Meqaat with intention for Umrah of Hajj-e-Qiran (Umrah first then Hajj).
You will perform a single Tawaf Al-Qudoom (Tawaf of arrival) and single Sa’yee with the intention for both Hajj and Umrah.
You will not shave your head or trim your hair after completing the Umrah and you must remain in Ihraam no matter how long the period between your Umrah and Hajj may be.
Sahih Bukhari: 1561


On 8th Dhul-Hijjah, leave for Mina and keep reciting Talbiyah.
It is a prerequisite to have the sacrificial animal with you. If a pilgrim does not have the animal with him/her then pilgrim must perform Hajj-e-Tamattu instead of Hajj-e-Qiran.
Sahih Bukhari: 1561


Slaughter/Sacrifice of animal is a must in this type of Hajj.
Those living within the boundaries of Makkah and Meeqats are not entitled for Hajj-e-Qiran.

Ihraam for Hajj-e-Qiran

Before 8th Dhul-Hijjah (on 7th Dhul-Hijjah or before Fajar Prayer of 8th Dhul-Hijjah), enter the state of Ihraam from Meeqat with the intention of Umrah for Hajj-e-Qiran (first Umrah and second Hajj).
Then complete all rituals of Umrah i-e Tawaf and Sa’yee but do not shave the head or trim the hair and remain in the state of Ihraam till completion of Hajj.
It is Sunnah and not mandatory for the one performing Hajj-e-Qiran to perform Tawaf Al-Qudoom (Tawaf of arrival) after performing Umrah. This can be performed anytime after completion of Umrah.
Then, you will proceed to Mina.
Rest of the rituals of Hajj are same (please go to Day-1 of Hajj).

3. Hajj-e-Ifraad

A pilgrim wears Ihraam from Meeqat for Hajj only (without Umrah).
Pilgrim performing this type of Hajj is called a ‘Mufrid’.
You reach Makkah and perform Tawaf Al-Qudoom (Tawaf of arrival).
You will not shave your head or trim your hair and you must remain in Ihraam no matter how long the period between your arrival in Makkah and Hajj may be.
On 8th Dhul-Hijjah, leave for Mina and keep reciting Talbiyah.
Slaughter/Sacrifice of animal is not mandatory for pilgrims performing Hajj-e-Ifraad.
Those who live within the limits of Makkah or within Meeqats, can perform Hajj-e-Ifraad.
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:196


Ihraam for Hajj-e-Ifraad

Before 8th Dhul-Hijjah (on 7th Dhul-Hijjah or before Fajar Prayer of 8th Dhul-Hijjah), enter the state of Ihraam from Meeqat with the intention of Hajj only. Start reciting Talbiyah. Then leave for Masjid Al-Haram.
Upon reaching Masjid Al-Haram, stop reciting Talbiyah and start Tawaf Al-Qudoom (Tawaf of arrival). This is Sunnah.
After completing Tawaf, perform Sa’yee of Safa and Marwa. This is also Sunnah. This is not mandatory and pilgrim can leave for Mina without performing Sa’yee but most scholars recommend to do both Tawaf and Sa’yee before leaving for Mina.
After completing Sa’yee, do not Cut or Trim the hair and remain in the state of Ihraam (no matter how long the period between pilgrim’s arrival in Makkah and Hajj may be.)
Then, you will proceed to Mina.
Rest of the rituals of Hajj are same (please go to Day-1 of Hajj).