Hajj is one of the five main duties of Islam, a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca that every Muslim aims to perform at least once. There are three main ways, or types of Hajj, that Muslims can perform this journey: tamattu, Qirān, and Ifrād.
Each type has its own steps and timing, designed to make the pilgrimage easier depending on a person’s situation. Understanding these types helps explain how Muslims prepare for and complete this important spiritual journey.
What are the types of Hajj?
| Aspect | Hajj Ifrad | Hajj Qirān | Hajj Tamattu |
| Ihram Intention | For Hajj only | For Umrah and Hajj together | For Umrah only at first, then later for Hajj |
| State of Ihram | Single, continuous Ihram until after Hajj | Continuous Ihram from start to end of Hajj | Two separate states of Ihram—one for Umrah, one for Hajj |
| Exit from Ihram after Umrah | No—remains in Ihram until after Eid | No—remains in Ihram until after Eid | Yes—exits Ihram after Umrah, resumes it on 8th Dhu al-Hijjah |
| Tawaf and Sa’i | Performs Tawaf al-Qudum and Sa’i for Hajj (can delay Sa’i) | Performs Tawaf and Sa’i for Umrah (can delay Sa’i for Hajj) | Performs Tawaf and Sa’i for Umrah, then again for Hajj |
| Shaving or Haircut after Umrah | No | No | Yes—shaves or clips hair after completing Umrah |
| Sacrificial Animal (Hady) | Not required | Required | Required |
| Ihram Period Duration | Shortest—one Ihram for Hajj only | Longest—no break between Umrah and Hajj | Moderate—break between Umrah and Hajj without Ihram |
| Commonly Performed By | Residents of Mecca or nearby areas | Pilgrims bringing their own animals, or with limited time | Most pilgrims from outside Mecca |
Let’s explore them in more detail.
Read also: What Is Hajj?
1. What is Hajj Tamattu?
Hajj tamattu is one of the three types of Hajj and refers to a pilgrim performing Umrah first during the Hajj season (i.e., the months of Shawwal, Dhu al-Qi‘dah, and the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah). The pilgrim enters the state of Ihram for Umrah only, performs Tawaf and Sa’i, then shaves or shortens his hair, thereby completing the Umrah and exiting the state of Ihram.
The pilgrim then resumes normal life without the restrictions of Ihram until the 8th of Dhu al-Hijjah, known as the Day of Tarwiyah. On this day, he enters Ihram again, but this time with the intention of performing Hajj only, and proceeds with all the rituals of Hajj.
This type of Hajj is the most commonly performed by pilgrims coming from outside Mecca, especially in modern times. It combines both Umrah and Hajj in the same trip with a break in between, and a sacrificial animal (Hady) is required as part of the ritual.
Read more: What Is The Importance Of Hajj?
2. What is Hajj Ifrad?
Hajj Ifrad is a type of pilgrimage in which the pilgrim enters the state of Ihram with the sole intention of performing Hajj—not Umrah. Upon arriving at the Sacred Mosque in Mecca, the pilgrim performs Tawaf al-Qudum (Tawaf of arrival) and Sa’i for Hajj.
The pilgrim does not shave or shorten the hair, as he remains in the state of Ihram throughout, until after stoning Jamrat al-‘Aqabah on the Day of Eid (10th of Dhu al-Hijjah). Only then is he partially released from the restrictions of Ihram.
It is also permissible for the pilgrim to delay the Sa’i until after performing the Tawaf al-Ifadah (the main Tawaf of Hajj).
This type of Hajj is commonly performed by people residing in or near Mecca, as it does not require a sacrificial animal.
Read: What Is Ihram in Islam?
3. What is Hajj Qiran?
Hajj Qirān is a type of pilgrimage in which the pilgrim enters the state of Ihram with the intention of performing both Umrah and Hajj together—without exiting Ihram in between.
The pilgrim begins by wearing Ihram and declaring the intention for both Umrah and Hajj. Upon reaching the Sacred Mosque in Mecca, he performs Tawaf and Sa’i for Umrah, but does not shave or shorten the hair, as he remains in the state of Ihram until the Hajj rituals are completed.
Alternatively, if the pilgrim initially intends Umrah only, he can change his intention to include Hajj before beginning his Tawaf, thus entering the state of Qirān.
On the Day of Eid (10th of Dhu al-Hijjah), after stoning Jamrat al-‘Aqabah, the pilgrim may begin exiting the state of Ihram. This type of Hajj requires offering a sacrificial animal (Hady), similar to Hajj tamattu.
What is the difference between hajj qiran and tamattu?
In Hajj tamattu, the pilgrim performs Umrah first, exits Ihram, then enters a new Ihram for Hajj—offering a sacrifice is required. In Hajj Qirān, the pilgrim performs Umrah and Hajj together in one continuous Ihram without a break—also requiring a sacrifice. The main difference is that tamattu includes a break between rituals, while Qirān involves staying in Ihram throughout.
What is the best type of hajj?
According to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), Hajj tamattu is the easiest and most recommended form of Hajj for pilgrims. The Prophet (ﷺ) encouraged his companions to perform tamattu, especially those who did not bring a sacrificial animal with them.
Even if a pilgrim initially intends to perform Hajj Qirān or Ifrād, he is allowed to change his intention to Hajj tamattu. This change can be made even after performing Tawaf and Sa’i. Afterward, the pilgrim shaves or shortens his hair and exits the state of Ihram until the Day of Tarwiyah (8th of Dhu al-Hijjah), when he re-enters Ihram for Hajj.
This flexibility and ease make Hajj tamattu the most preferred type, especially for those coming from outside Mecca.
Read: History of Hajj
What Type of Hajj Did the Prophet (ﷺ) Perform?
Muslim scholars have held differing opinions about the type of Hajj performed by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) during his Farewell Pilgrimage. However, the most accurate and well-supported view—adopted by Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Ibn Taymiyyah, and many other scholars—is that the Prophet (ﷺ) performed Hajj Qirān.
This is confirmed by a narration from the Companion Anas ibn Mālik (RA), who said:
“I heard Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) pronouncing Talbiyah for both Umrah and Hajj.”
— [Reported by Bukhari & Muslim]
Some scholars cite other narrations suggesting that the Prophet (ﷺ) performed Hajj Ifrād, such as the well-known report by his wife, A’ishah (RA):
“We left Madinah with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) during the year of the Farewell Hajj. Some of us declared Ihram for Umrah, some for both Hajj and Umrah, and others for Hajj only. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) declared Ihram for Hajj.”
[Reported by Bukhari & Muslim]
At first glance, this narration may imply that the Prophet (ﷺ) performed Hajj Ifrād. However, when examined in context and alongside other authentic narrations, it becomes clear that he performed Hajj Qirān. The Prophet’s outward actions resembled Ifrād, but his intention and Talbiyah clearly confirmed Qirān.
The key distinction is that both Ifrād and Qirān are similar in practice, except that Qirān includes the sacrifice of an animal, while Ifrād does not. Since the Prophet (ﷺ) brought his sacrificial animal with him and did not exit Ihram between Umrah and Hajj, this confirms that his Hajj was Qirān.
Read more: How to Perform Hajj?
Conclusion
To conclude, the types of Hajj—tamattu, Qirān, and Ifrād—are different ways Muslims perform this important pilgrimage to Mecca. Each type reflects flexibility in practice while maintaining the core spiritual purpose.
- Hajj tamattu is the easiest and most common form, where pilgrims perform Umrah first, then pause before doing Hajj.
- Hajj Qirān means performing Umrah and Hajj together without a break, which was how Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) did it.
- Hajj Ifrād involves performing only Hajj without combining it with Umrah.
No matter which type is chosen, the goal is the same: a deep spiritual renewal and submission to God during this sacred journey.
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