Hajj Options
There are three variations of Hajj based on each individual situation:
Hajj-e-Tamattu’: This Hajj is recommended for those coming from outside of Meeqat (the border beyond which the pilgrimage area begins) and plan to stay in Makkah longer. In this option, Umrah and Hajj are performed adopting two separate Ihrams (garments and restrictions). A pilgrim first puts on the Ihram garments for Umrah only (in the early days of the month of Dhul Hajja), and performs Tawaf and Sa’ie, including shaving or clipping the hair (for men only), thus relaxing oneself of Ihram garments and restrictions. On the eighth day of Dhul-Hajja, the pilgrim again puts on the Ihram garments, and adopts restrictions with the intention of performing Hajj only. The pilgrim then goes straight to Arafat to join prayers in Arafat and afterwards, continues the requisite Hajj rituals for the remaining days.
Hajj-e-Qiran: This Hajj is recommended for people coming from outside of Meeqat (the border beyond which the pilgrimage area begins) for a shorter duration of stay in Makkah. In this option, Hajj and Umrah are performed together in one set of Ihram garments and restrictions. A pilgrim puts on the Ihram garments and adopts restrictions, with the intention of performing Hajj and Umrah together. The pilgrim then arrives in Makkah, performs Umrah (Tawaf and Sa’ie), and then continues the requisite Hajj rituals at other locations for the remaining days.
Hajj-e-Ifraad: This Hajj is recommended for those who are living within the Meeqat boundaries. In this option, a pilgrim puts on the Ihram garments and adopts restrictions for Hajj only. On arrival in Makkah, the pilgrim performs Tawaf only, and then continues with the Hajj rituals for the remaining days. Sacrificing the animal is not obligatory for such pilgrim.