Types of Hajj

There are three valid ways to perform Hajj: Tamattu’, Qiran, and Ifrad. Each has a specific method of combining Hajj and Umrah.

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1. Hajj Tamattu’ (تَمَتُّع)

You perform Umrah first during the Hajj season, exit Ihram, then enter a new Ihram for Hajj on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah.

• Most common for international pilgrims
• Requires two separate Ihrams
• Animal sacrifice (Hady) is mandatory

Sequence:

1. Enter Ihram at Miqat for Umrah
2. Perform Tawaf, Sa’ee, then trim hair and exit Ihram
3. Re-enter Ihram on 8th Dhul Hijjah for Hajj

فَمَن تَمَتَّعَ بِالْعُمْرَةِ إِلَى الْحَجِّ فَمَا اسْتَيْسَرَ مِنَ الْهَدْيِ

Whoever performs Umrah [during the Hajj months], followed by Hajj, must offer what can be afforded of sacrificial animal.

— Qur’an 2:196

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2. Hajj Qiran (قِرَان)

You perform Umrah and Hajj together with a single Ihram.

• Ihram is entered with the intention of both Umrah and Hajj
• No exiting Ihram after Umrah
• Animal sacrifice is mandatory
• Preferred by scholars like Abu Hanifa

Sequence:

1. Enter Ihram at Miqat with dual intention
2. Perform Tawaf and Sa’ee for Umrah
3. Remain in Ihram through the days of Hajj
4. Perform Tawaf and Sa’ee for Hajj

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3. Hajj Ifrad (إِفْرَاد)

You perform only Hajj with no Umrah before it.

• Single Ihram for Hajj only
• No sacrifice required (but recommended)
• Preferred by residents of Makkah or those coming straight for Hajj

Sequence:

1. Enter Ihram for Hajj at Miqat
2. Perform all rites of Hajj
3. No Umrah performed before or during Hajj days

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Which One Should You Choose?

Type	Umrah Before?	Sacrifice?	No. of Ihrams	Suitable For
Tamattu’	✅ Yes	✅ Required	2	Most international pilgrims
Qiran	✅ Yes	✅ Required	1	Those arriving early with animals
Ifrad	❌ No	❌ Not required	1	Local or early pilgrims without Umrah

Tamattu’ is easiest and was encouraged by the Prophet ﷺ for his companions when they didn’t bring animals with them.

If I had known before what I know now, I would not have brought the sacrificial animal, and I would have performed Umrah.

— Prophet Muhammad ﷺ – Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1651

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