Tamattu’ Hajj vs. Ifrad vs. Qiran: Choosing the Right Type of Hajj for You

There are many ways of worshipping Allah Almighty which includes Salah, fasting, Zakat and Hajj. Umrah, kindness to others and following Allah’s commands are all ways of obedience and worshipping the Almighty.

Many Muslims know what Hajj is, however, most of them are unaware of the different types of Hajj. Therefore, in this article, we will discuss different types of Hajj and how to choose between Tamattu’, Ifrad and Qiran.

What is Hajj?

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and the Pilgrimage to the sacred city of Makkah. It is a spiritual journey and Muslims from all around the world visit Saudi Arabia in the month of Dhul Hijjah to perform Hajj. The rituals of Hajj are:

• Entering the state of Ihram
• Tawaf e Qudum
• Performing Sayii
• Visiting Mina
• Going to Arafah
• Standing at Arafah: Wuquf
• Muzdalifah for collection of pebbles
• Rami al Jamarat: Pelting stones at the devil
• Sacrificing animal
• Shaving of head
• Tawaf al Ifadah
• Sayii
• Tawaf al Wada

These are the rituals of Hajj. However there are three types of Hajj:

1. Hajj-ul-Ifrad
2. Hajj-ul-Qiran
3. Hajj-ul-Tamattu

What is Tamattu’ Hajj?

Tamattu’ Hajj or Hajj-ul-Tamattu is a type of Hajj where the pilgrim enters the state of Ihram for performing Umrah and then exits this state as he is not obliged to perform both Umrah and Hajj in the same Ihram. 

After the completion of Umrah and exiting Ihram, Mutammati ( person who performs Hajj ul Tammatu’) then re-enters Ihram on 8th of Dhul Hijjah to perform the rituals of Hajj.

It is to be noted that the Umrah must be performed during the Hajj season, Umrah before Shawwal and during Hajj days will be invalid.

Moreover, the pilgrim who performs the Umrah as a part of Hajj Tammatu’ cannot leave without performing Hajj at any cost.

One of the advantages of this Hajj is that the pilgrim will be relieved from the restrictions of Ihram for a certain period before he enters Ihram again.

What is the difference between Tamattu and Qiran Hajj?

Hajj ul Tammatu’ involves performing Hajj and Umrah with separate Ihram on the other hand Hajj ul Qiran involves performing the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage with the same Ihram. Pilgrims shave their head after the sacrifice of animals.

Advantages:

• However, many scholars consider Tamattu’ Hajj to be most virtuous while it is also recommended by Prophet Muhammad PBUH.
• You can relax between the two Ihrams and will he free from the restrictions of Ihram.
• You will have more time and focus to prepare for Hajj effectively.

Advantages of Qiran:

• You will have to enter the state of Ihram once.

Cons of Tammatu’ Hajj:

• You will have to enter Ihram twice. Which means visiting Miqat again?
• You will have to shave your head after the completion of Umrah.

Cons of Qiran:

• It is not very common as compared to Tamattu and Ifrad Hajj.
• You need to plan carefully that you will have to perform Hajj and Umrah together and exit the state of Ihram after 5-6 days.

Ifrad Hajj:

Ifrad Hajj is commonly performed by the residents of Miqat, Makkah or Jeddah. Their entering Ihram is solely to perform Hajj and not Umrah, this is what makes it different from other types of Hajj as both of them involves Umrah.

The person who is Mufrid and performs Ifrad Hajj will not exit Ihram before the stoning of devil. Sacrifice of animals is not required for this type of Hajj, but if you wish to, then you can sacrifice.

If we have aTamattu’ vs Ifrad vs. Qiran Hajj comparison it is clear that the main difference is that Hajj Ifrad does not require Umrah and the Sacrifice of animals is also optional. On the other hand, Hajj ul Qiran requires Umrah and Sacrifice of animal is also obligatory.

All the three types of Hajj have their own value and that intention matters the most. However, you must consult scholars according to your situation.

Which Hajj is easier – Tamattu’, Ifrad or Qiran?

Each type of Hajj has its own requirements and rituals as you have read above.

Hajj-ul-Tamattu requires two Ihrams one for Umrah and the other for Hajj. It requires sacrifice also.

Hajj-ul-Qiran requires single Ihram and the pilgrim perfrom Umrah as well as Hajj with the single Ihram. This type of Hajj also requires sacrifice.

Hajj-ul-Ifrad requires Ihram only for Hajj rituals and Umrah is not required. In this Hajj, sacrifice is also not obligatory.

This is a brief summary and the pilgrims find Hajj easier according to their point of view. Some find Hajj Ifrad easy but it is for the residents of Makkah and Jeddah while other prefer Qiran or Tammatu’. However, whether the Hajj is easy or difficult is not what matters, what matters is the acceptance of Allah and forgiveness of sins.

Which is the best type of Hajj for international pilgrims?

There is nothing like the best type of Hajj, because Hajj is not a physical act but it has a deep connection with spiritual growth. The best suitable Hajj will be according to your circumstances and preferences. You must consider your travel plans for deciding the Hajj type. You can also consult scholars and seek their guidance.

If you’re visiting Masjid al Haram weeks before Hajj days then you can perform Hajj ul Tammatu’ as it will be ideal for you. On the other hand, if you arrive a day or two before Hajj days, then you must perform Hajj ul Qiran as there will be a shortage of time so it will be difficult for you to manage two Ihrams.

So, here is a step-by-step guide to types of Hajj so that you know which suits your situation the best so that you can achieve a fulfilling Hajj experience. When choosing between Tamattu’, Ifrad, or Qiran, it’s wise to consider the expected Hajj expenses in 2025, as costs can vary based on the type of Hajj you perform.