Hajj is obligatory once in a lifetime on every Muslim who is adult, sane and able. At ihram, the pilgrim chooses one of three types, all valid by consensus.
The steps
- Tamattu‘: enter ihram for Umrah in the months of Hajj, leave ihram after it, then enter ihram for Hajj on the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah. A sacrifice (hady) is required.
- Qiran: enter ihram for Umrah and Hajj together and stay in ihram until the Day of Sacrifice. A sacrifice (hady) is required.
- Ifrad: enter ihram for Hajj alone and stay in ihram until the Day of Sacrifice. No sacrifice is required.
- The words of intention: “Labbayka ‘umratan mutamatti‘an biha ila al-hajj” for tamattu‘, “Labbayka ‘umratan wa hajjan” for qiran, and “Labbayka hajjan” for ifrad.
The evidence
“And pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to Allah by people, for whoever is able to find a way to it” (Al ‘Imran 3:97). Aishah said: we went out with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ; some of us entered ihram for Umrah, some for Hajj and Umrah, and some for Hajj (al-Bukhari 1562, Muslim 1211).
Scholars differ on which is best: tamattu‘ according to the Hanbalis, ifrad according to the Malikis and Shafi‘is, and qiran according to the Hanafis. Most pilgrims coming from outside Makkah today perform tamattu‘ because it is easier.