Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah, the holiest Muslim city.
The five-to-six-day pilgrimage is obligatory for all Muslims, who have the physical and financial ability to undertake the journey at least once in their lifetime.
The pilgrimage is the fifth pillar of Islamic practice for every Muslim (the other four being the profession of faith, five daily prayers, charity and fasting during the Islamic month of Ramadan), as per the holy Quran:
“وَلِلَّهِ عَلَى النَّاسِ حِجُّ الْبَيْتِ مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلًا” [آل عمران:97]
“And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever can find thereto a way.” Surah Ali ‘Imran [3:97]
Three types of Hajj
The rites of the hajj are believed not only to follow the model of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), but also to retrace events from the lives of Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) and his son Ismail (PBUH). Pilgrims can choose to take on any of the three Hajj procedures that are more feasible for them.
Hajj al-Tamatt’u
The most common type of Hajj pilgrimage. It entails performing Umrah rituals during the Hajj season and then completing the steps to Hajj between the 8th and 13th day of Dhu al-Hijjah. Pilgrims intending to undertake Hajj al-Tamatt’u must combine Umrah rituals with that of Hajj. Sacrificing an animal is required to complete this form of Hajj. A pilgrim who undertakes this type of Hajj is called Mutamatti.
Hajj al-Tamatt’u
To perform both Hajj and Umrah while being in the state of Ihram. This form requires sacrificing an animal to complete the rituals. A pilgrim who undertakes this type of Hajj is called Qaarin.
Hajj al-Tamatt’u
To perform the rituals of Hajj alone without sacrificing an animal (Hadee) or Qurbani. A pilgrim who undertakes this type of Hajj is called Mufrid.