Urooj Niazi 
It is necessary to understand the types of Hajj before every Muslim intends to make this kind of pilgrimage. Islam spells out three different kinds of Hajj, each of which is intended to accommodate the conditions, motive, and place of pilgrims. These are Hajj al-Tamattu, Hajj al-Qiran and Hajj al-Ifrad. All these three are obligatory to Hajj, but they vary in the way of Umrah, ihram condition, and animal sacrifice. Understanding the kind of Hajj assists pilgrims to select the best alternative and carry their rituals in the right and sure way.
What Are the Types of Hajj?
These forms of Hajj are categorized into whether Umrah is performed together with Hajj and the entry of the pilgrim to the Ihram state. These three are Hajj al-Tamattu, Hajj al-Qiran and Hajj al Ifrad. There are rules, rewards and conditions to each type. The right type would depend on the plans of travelling, the residence and the convenience.
Hajj al-Tamattu (The Most Common Type)
The most common pilgrim among international pilgrims is Hajj al-Tamattu. Umrah is done in this form to begin with in the months of Hajj. Once the pilgrim finishes Umrah, he/she leaves Ihram state and becomes normal until the start of the days of Hajj.
This is among the very favorite Hajj as it is flexible and convenient. To perform Hajj, pilgrims have to re-enter Ihram and they have to make an animal sacrifice (hady). Hajj al-Tamattu is the best in case of people who are traveling to remote nations.
Hajj al-Qiran (Combined Worship)
Hajj al-Qiran means doing Hajj and Umrah in one without breaking Ihram in between. The pilgrim has made a mixed intention and stays in Ihram, until all rituals of the Umrah and Hajj are fulfilled.
Qiran is one of the forms of Hajj that is spiritually rewarding because it involves two worships. It also involves animal sacrifice as does Tamattu. Nevertheless, the longer the period of staying in Ihram, the more physically challenging it may become.
Hajj al-Ifrad (Hajj Only)
Hajj al Ifrad refers to only doing Hajj but not Umrah. The pilgrim only goes to Hajj when he or she enters Ihram and performs all the rites. The latter does not presuppose an animal sacrifice.
This type is usually selected by people who are either the Makkah inhabitants or those residing within the Miqat area. Ifrad is the most basic form of Hajj as it is comprised of Hajj rituals only and does not have any extra requirements. Tap to know more.
